The Dallas Cowboys’ season hasn’t unfolded as hoped, with the division title seemingly out of reach and slim playoff hopes. However, one player who has remained largely unscathed by criticism is Micah Parsons. The former Defensive Rookie of the Year has continued to shine, earning Pro Bowl selections in each of his three NFL seasons.
Despite the Dallas Cowboys’ struggles this season, including a 5-7 record and slim playoff hopes, linebacker Micah Parsons continues to excel. In eight games, Parsons has recorded 6.5 sacks, 28 pressures, and nine quarterback hits, providing significant pressure for head coach Mike McCarthy’s defense. His consistent performance has been a bright spot amid the team’s challenges.
With the possibility of a contract extension opening this summer, speculation is swirling about whether Micah Parsons might aim to become the NFL’s highest-paid player. However, Parsons’ focus seems to be more on the team’s long-term success than just his payday.
“I don’t know. It really just depends on the circumstances of who we’re trying to get, who’s trying to return,” Parsons shared with reporters via ESPN. “I look at it from a business side also, you know? If we’re going to be aggressive in bringing in players to play next to me… Right now, I don’t know who I’m playing with besides Marshawn [Kneeland], Sam [Williams], and Mazi [Smith]. Who’s going to be on our ring with Chauncey [Golston], Osa [Odighizuwa], and potentially D-Law [DeMarcus Lawrence] not being here?”
For Parsons, it’s about creating a solid team foundation. “How can I create the best foundation and play with the guys who have helped me succeed? Those guys helped me get to where I am, where I can become the highest-paid player. So, I’d like as many of us to stay together as possible so we can keep having success and winning seasons.”
This raises an intriguing question: would Parsons consider taking a pay cut to help Dallas build a stronger roster? While such a move might not sit well with his agent, Parsons hinted that team success holds significant weight in his decision-making process.
Micah Parsons doesn’t want to waste his prime on a bad Cowboys team
Micah Parsons has suggested that his approach to a potential contract extension may involve prioritizing team success over maximizing his earnings. When discussing the idea of a pay cut, Parsons remarked, “There isn’t a massive difference between $30 million and $40 million if you’re miserable playing on a bad team.”
This perspective underscores his desire to maintain a strong roster around him, even if it means accepting slightly less money to ensure the Cowboys remain competitive. For Parsons, it appears happiness and winning on the field outweigh the pursuit of the absolute top-dollar contract.