During the broadcast of the “Monday Night Football” preseason game between the Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Troy Aikman discussed the ongoing contract standoff involving the Dallas Cowboys and pass-rusher Micah Parsons.
Aikman expressed confidence that Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones will eventually resolve Parsons’ situation before the team opens its regular season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Sept. 4.
“Without Micah Parsons, I just don’t think they’re gonna be able to slow anybody down,” Aikman said about the Cowboys, as reported by Eva Geitheim of Sports Illustrated. “He’s a total game-wrecker, and he’s proven that, and he’s certainly worth every penny that he’s ultimately gonna get paid. The longer it goes, the more money he’s going to make, so I wouldn’t stress too much if I was him.”
Parsons remains under contract through the 2025 season but has requested a trade following recent high-value contracts for players at his position. Earlier this year, Myles Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million extension with $123.5 million guaranteed from the Cleveland Browns. T.J. Watt agreed to a three-year, $123 million extension including $108 million guaranteed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Parsons is expected to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in National Football League history once his new deal is finalized.
“Jerry has shown that he’ll pay top dollar,” Aikman continued. “This obviously could have been done sooner at a lower price. …They’ll get something done is what I expect. I’d be shocked if they don’t prior to the season.”
Last summer, Jones reached agreements with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb on a four-year, $136 million deal and later secured quarterback Dak Prescott to a four-year extension reportedly valued at $240 million with $231 million guaranteed.
“I do think the Cowboys are gonna be better than what a lot of people project,” Aikman added. “I saw something where the pundits think that the over/under is 7.5 wins on the Cowboys. I think they’re gonna be much better than that.”
As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had set Dallas’ odds to make the playoffs at +170. There is no indication from Jones that he intends to trade Parsons for draft assets during this offseason.
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