Dallas, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Micah Parsons remains sidelined as contract negotiations between him and the Dallas Cowboys continue without resolution. Despite a back injury, speculation links his absence from practice to the ongoing contract dispute. As the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles approaches, there are concerns about Parsons’ preparation and the team’s strategy to manage salary cap implications. Team ownership is directly involved in negotiations while also planning for future roster commitments.
Dallas — Micah Parsons remained a sideline presence during the Dallas Cowboys’ final training camp practice as contract negotiations between the star linebacker and the team continue without a visible resolution, creating uncertainty ahead of the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4.
Key developments
The Cowboys returned to Texas after nearly a month of training in California with no apparent progress reported in negotiations for a contract extension for Micah Parsons. Parsons has not taken part in on-field practice since the team arrived in California, with a back injury cited by the organization. Multiple observers and insiders have suggested the absence is linked to the ongoing contract dispute rather than solely to health.
Dallas’ first-year coach, Brian Schottenheimer, communicated confidence that Parsons will be available for the season opener regardless of whether a new contract is finalized. Parsons has been participating in walkthroughs and team meetings, but his lack of full practice reps has created a sense of urgency for game preparation, particularly as most starters — including quarterback Dak Prescott — are expected to sit out the remaining preseason games.
Contract status and negotiations
Parsons is entering the final season of his five-year rookie contract and is currently set to earn approximately $24 million for the year. He is seeking a new deal with an average annual value above $40 million, aiming for compensation that would position him among the highest-paid defensive players in the league. Team ownership, led by Jerry Jones, has publicly ruled out trading Parsons and has indicated intent to keep negotiations in-house.
Owner involvement has included direct negotiation attempts with Parsons, bypassing the player’s agent. An offer was reportedly presented that would have produced record levels of guaranteed money for a non-quarterback, but that offer was later retracted after the agent was not included in talks. Parsons has voiced confusion about the process and used social media to request a trade while in California, in part reflecting frustration over prior discussions with ownership.
Roster, financial and strategic implications
The Cowboys face a balancing act on the salary cap, with planned extensions or future deals in mind for other rising contributors, including DaRon Bland, Tyler Smith, and Jake Ferguson. Those anticipated commitments could affect the timing and structure of any extension for Parsons.
Even after his rookie contract expires, Parsons could be subject to franchise tags for the following two seasons, which provides the team leverage while negotiations continue. The situation mirrors a previous path taken with Dak Prescott, who was franchise-tagged twice before signing a long-term contract.
Health and availability
Parsons missed four games last season due to an ankle injury but still finished with 12 sacks, reinforcing his status as a premier pass rusher. The current back-related absence has been managed through non-contact participation in meetings and walkthroughs. Coaching staff have emphasized the need for Parsons to be on the field for competitive reasons and are monitoring his preparation with heightened attention given the reduced preseason reps for starters.
Separately, cornerback Jonathan Mingo is expected to miss approximately 4–6 weeks with a PCL sprain and will likely begin the season on injured reserve, adding another roster consideration for the Cowboys’ defensive plans.
Coaching context
Brian Schottenheimer, in his first season as head coach, has highlighted personal context from his own life during camp, including a prior battle with thyroid cancer at age 28. That background has informed his approach to leadership and the handling of this training camp’s challenges.
Immediate outlook
As the Cowboys head into the final week before the regular season, the organization projects that Parsons will be physically available for the opener against Philadelphia. Contract discussions are expected to continue, with ownership indicating confidence that a resolution can be reached. The timeline and financial terms remain unresolved, and the team must balance short-term on-field needs with long-term salary-cap considerations and commitments to other key players.
What to watch next
- Progress in direct negotiations between ownership and Parsons or re-engagement with the player’s agent.
- Any change in Parsons’ practice participation or medical updates ahead of the opener on September 4.
- How the Cowboys manage roster and cap space with potential extensions for other key players.
FAQ
Is Micah Parsons expected to play in the Cowboys’ season opener?
Yes. Coaching staff have indicated they expect Parsons to be on the field for the season opener on September 4, even if a contract extension has not been finalized.
Why has Parsons not practiced during training camp?
The team has cited a back injury as the reason for Parsons’ absence from on-field practice since the team went to California. There is also widespread speculation that the absence relates to ongoing contract negotiations.
What salary is Parsons currently receiving and what is he seeking?
Parsons is under the final year of his rookie deal with a salary around $24 million and is seeking a new contract with an average annual value exceeding $40 million.
Has the Cowboys’ ownership considered trading Parsons?
Ownership has stated publicly that Parsons will not be traded and has engaged directly in negotiations with the player, signaling an intent to keep him with the team.
Could the franchise tag be applied to Parsons after this season?
Yes. Parsons would be eligible for franchise tags for the two seasons following the expiration of his rookie contract, providing the team with options if a long-term deal is not reached.
What other roster or injury issues are impacting the Cowboys?
Cornerback Jonathan Mingo is expected to miss 4–6 weeks with a PCL sprain and will likely start the season on injured reserve. The team is also planning contract discussions with other key players that may affect salary cap flexibility.
| Feature | Detail | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Current-season salary | $24 million |
|
| Target average annual value | Greater than $40 million |
|
| Last season sacks | 12 sacks (missed 4 games) |
|
| Practice participation (training camp) | No on-field practice since California |
|
| Trade status | Team has ruled out trading |
|
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jerry Jones Reveals Battle with Stage 4 Melanoma
Kelsey Mitchell Leads Indiana Fever to Victory Over Dallas Wings
Additional Resources
- Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones Details On Micah Parsons Negotiations
- Palestine Herald: Micah Parsons Awaits Contract Extension
- Santa Fe New Mexican: Micah Parsons Contract Status
- Sports Illustrated: Micah Parsons Trade Request Stance
- AP News: Micah Parsons Contract Negotiations
- Wikipedia: Micah Parsons
- Google Search: Micah Parsons
- Google Scholar: Micah Parsons
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Micah Parsons
- Google News: Micah Parsons
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
