Micah Parsons Sits Out Cowboys Practices Amid Contract Standoff — Will He Be Ready for Week 1?
Micah Parsons Sits Out Cowboys Practices Amid Contract Standoff — Will He Be Ready for Week 1?
Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys’ star pass rusher, remains a spectator on the sidelines as the team wraps up its training camp in Texas, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether the holdout is purely due to injury or the stalled contract negotiations.
Parsons, who has been absent from full practice since the Cowboys arrived in California nearly a month ago, made his usual sideline appearance for the final training camp session in Frisco. While head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed confidence that Parsons will be ready for the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, the reality of the situation is less straightforward.
“I feel good that Micah’s going to be out there against the Philadelphia Eagles,” Schottenheimer said. But the coach also dodged questions about whether Parsons would have sufficient practice time to prepare fully if his absence continues.
Parsons, 26, has cited a back injury for his lack of participation, but the timing and context have fueled speculation that contract negotiations are the real reason behind his sideline presence. Entering the final season of his five-year rookie contract, Parsons is slated to make $24 million in 2025, but he is seeking a deal with an average annual value above $40 million, which would place him among the highest-paid defensive players in the league.
The numbers back up his case. Parsons is one of just two players in NFL history to record at least 12 sacks in each of their first four seasons since sacks became an official statistic in 1982, alongside Hall of Famer Reggie White. Yet despite these accomplishments, the ongoing stalemate has drawn national attention.
During the Cowboys’ month-long stay in California, Parsons publicly requested a trade via social media, expressing frustration with owner Jerry Jones and hinting at dissatisfaction with his future in Dallas. “I’ve been misled,” Parsons suggested, adding that he wasn’t sure he wanted to play another season with the team. While Parsons has spoken to reporters only once since training camp began, his actions have made the holdout a major storyline for the franchise.
Schottenheimer remained calm in the face of questions about Parsons’ absence and the contract situation. “I’m focused on the field. I’m focused on the guys that are working. The business side is going to take care of itself,” he said. “I could answer those questions all day long.”
Parsons’ presence at practice, even in a limited capacity, allows him to participate in walkthroughs and team meetings, maintaining at least a mental edge while staying in the loop with team strategy. Schottenheimer acknowledged the importance of this, noting that players often know their bodies best and can gauge when they’re ready for game action.
Despite the contract drama, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has repeatedly stated he has no intention of trading Parsons, expressing confidence that a new deal will eventually be reached. Still, the clock is ticking. With the preseason winding down and Week 1 approaching, Parsons’ lack of full practice time could become a real concern if no resolution occurs soon.
The stakes are high for both Parsons and the Cowboys. He is coming off a season in which he consistently dominated on the field, yet uncertainty about his contract status and readiness for the season opener casts a shadow over Dallas’ defensive plans. As the team prepares to close out the preseason against the Atlanta Falcons, all eyes will be on Parsons — and whether he can step onto the field ready to perform at the elite level expected of him.
Whether this standoff ends with a record-breaking deal or a tense start to the season, one thing is clear: Micah Parsons’ future in Dallas remains one of the most closely watched storylines in the NFL.
