The Dallas Cowboys continue to face uncertainty regarding a contract extension for All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons. Tensions remain high between Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones and Parsons, following the player’s public trade request after frustrations surfaced about stalled contract negotiations.
Despite the impasse, first-year Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer has expressed confidence that Parsons will play in the team’s regular season opener against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 4. Schottenheimer’s optimism contrasts with Jones’ earlier comments this month, where he did not share the same faith about Parsons’ participation.
“I think at the end of the day, we feel like Micah is going to be out there when we line up against Philadelphia here in 15 days or whatever it is. I feel good about that,” Schottenheimer said Wednesday night. He added, “I feel good that Micah’s going to be out there against the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Parsons is set to begin the 2025 season in the final year of his rookie contract and has been holding in at training camp, remaining present but not participating on the field. On both Tuesday and Wednesday night, he attended practice at The Star in his No. 11 practice jersey, sitting on a folding chair along the sideline.
Schottenheimer was asked whether there is urgency for Parsons to return to practice before the season opener. He responded, “Micah’s another guy, he takes great care of his body. Again, you’d like it sooner rather than later but Micah’s going to be prepared (…) He has been able to do some of the walkthroughs. He has been able to be in the meetings. He understands some of the calls and the different packages and stuff that we’re going to use. That’s a huge advantage. Then obviously the physical side of it, usually the players are the experts with where their bodies are.”
Citing a similar situation involving Los Angeles Chargers tackle Rashawn Slater last year—a player who held out before eventually signing an extension but suffered a season-ending injury—Schottenheimer emphasized Parsons’ readiness: “It’s not just getting on a treadmill. There has be change of direction, things like that (…) Injuries are a part of the game. Again, I have complete faith in our strength staff, our trainers and all that stuff, that they’re doing the things they need to do for him to go out and perform well. Micah’s obviously a pretty good football player. One thing he has not lost the ability to do is rush the passer and make plays.”
Parsons has posted strong numbers since entering the league in 2021 as No. 12 overall draft pick; he is noted as being “the first player since sacks became an individual statistic in 1982 to have 12 or more sacks in each of his first four seasons.” CBS Sports Research reports Dallas ranks first in defensive expected points added (EPA) per play with Parsons on field since 2021 but falls last without him.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Troy Aikman recently commented during a preseason broadcast that Dallas cannot win without Parsons; however, Schottenheimer disagrees: “To me, this is a team game. Everybody has their thoughts and opinions on the Micah situation (…) To me, what’s going to make us special and what’s going to allow us to win a Super Bowl would be when we’re all performing. It’s the ultimate team game. That’s the way I’ve always looked at it. And I don’t see this situation any different.”
As contract talks remain unresolved ahead of Week One against Philadelphia, Schottenheimer maintained his focus: “I know you guys have to ask the questions, and I respect that and understand that. I think my tone hasn’t changed. My answer hasn’t really changed. 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. I could answer those [Parsons] questions all day long.”
The Cowboys continue preparations with hopes Parsons will play as negotiations continue.
