FRISCO, Texas — While Micah Parsons is not ready to give up on 2024, the All-Pro pass rusher would like to see the Dallas Cowboys return all their key contributors for 2025, including coach Mike McCarthy.
“I would like a fair shot with everyone back — players, coaches — as the injuries kind of struck of what this season could really be,” Parsons said in an interview with ESPN that will air before the Cowboys’ “Monday Night Football” matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. “The injuries have been terrible. And, you know, it really sucks. Seeing Zack [Martin],D-Law [DeMarcus Lawrence] not having the year I know he planned to have. He had such a grate start. It really sucks.
“In terms of coaching, man, Coach Mike, me and his relationship has always been really good. He always took real good care of me. I just don’t know how the business side of it’s going to go, you know? [Owner and general manager Jerry Jones] has his own mindset about who he wants to coach. This is his team. I’m kind of just, like, a pawn in this business.”
In an interview with Yahoo Sports last week, quarterback Dak Prescott said he wants McCarthy to return and he “wholeheartedly” believes in him. The head coach is in the final year of his deal. Jones recently said on 105.3 The fan that it would “not be crazy” for McCarthy to earn an extension despite the Cowboys’ record.
Parsons is under contract for 2025 on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal and he figures to be the Cowboys’ priority to re-sign after the team made Prescott the highest-paid player in the NFL and ceedee Lamb the second-highest paid wide receiver.
“I’m Jerry’s guy,” Parsons said.”I think it will be quite… I know it’s easier said than done because I’m not at the table, but that’s my guy. We talk about it and how much we appreciate each side, but I know numbers talk. But man, at the end of the day whatever it takes for me just to continue to be a Cowboy until I retire, that’s what I want. And I know it’s going to be hard conversations and reality checks,but I think I’m a good enough caliber to be here.”
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is the highest-paid defensive player at $34 million per season. Parsons is set to make $21.3 million in 2025.
Parsons was asked if it matters to him whether he becomes the highest-paid defensive player.
“I don’t know,” he said. “It really just depends on the circumstances of who are we trying to get, who’s trying to return. I look at it from a business side also, you know? If we’re going to be aggressive and bringing in players to play next to me as right now, you look at it, I don’t know who I’m playing [with] besides Marshawn [Kneeland] and Sam [Williams] and mazi [Smith]. Who’s going to be on our ring with chauncey [Golston] and Osa [Odighizuwa] and D-Law [possibly] not being here.
“So, to me it’s all about the foundation of the team, like, ‘How can I create the best foundation and play with the guys who have helped me create a lot of success?’ Those guys helped me get to where I am, where I can become the highest-paid player. So,I would like for as many of us to be here as possible so we can continue having success,winning seasons.”
The Cowboys have not been highly active in free agency in recent years, choosing to re-sign their own players, even though that has become more difficult. The Cowboys will have to deal with Prescott’s $89 million salary cap figure but can restructure the contract to create more room.
“I feel like you see a lot of times ‘highest-paid,’ then we say they don’t have weapons, or they don’t have this,” Parsons said. “So,I would rather just be in the best situation,you know? At that point,I don’t think there’s a big difference between $30 million and $40 million in my eyes,you know? And that’s just me talking.”
“My agent might be mad at me I even said that,” Parsons said. “But you know,for me,I mean I’ve already been blessed enough,bro,where,like,I can’t complain too much in life.”
– What are Micah Parsons’ views on the Dallas Cowboys’ chances for the 2025 season?
Interview: Time.news Editor with Todd Archer, ESPN NFL Reporter
Editor: Good afternoon, Todd. Thanks for joining us today to discuss the Dallas Cowboys and Micah Parsons’ recent comments about the 2024 season.
Todd Archer: Thanks for having me! It’s always a pleasure to talk about the Cowboys.
Editor: Micah Parsons recently expressed his desire for the Cowboys to return all their key contributors for the 2025 season. Based on his comments, how significant do you think injuries have been to the team’s performance this year?
Todd Archer: Injuries have been quite impactful. Parsons highlighted that they aren’t just setbacks; they really change the entire dynamic of the team. Players like Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence have been crucial, and when they’re sidelined, it fundamentally shifts how the team operates on both sides of the ball. Parsons feels, like many fans and analysts do, that if everyone was healthy, the Cowboys could have a much better record and possibly be contenders.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a lot of frustration around those injuries. Do you think Parsons’ focus on the 2025 season implies a lack of confidence in the current one, or is it more about optimism for the next?
Todd Archer: I think it’s a mix of both. While he isn’t throwing in the towel just yet for 2024, he’s acknowledging the realities of the season and the toll that injuries have taken.His comments suggest that there is a shared belief within the team that they could achieve more if they could field a complete roster.It’s strategic optimism—the kind that thrives on the possibility of what’s to come if they are all back on the field.
Editor: You mentioned earlier that Parsons referred to his wish for “a fair shot with everyone back,” which really resonates. How does that reflect the current team’s culture and mindset as they look ahead?
Todd Archer: Absolutely. that statement emphasizes a culture rooted in resilience and accountability. The Cowboys have faced adversity throughout the season, and Parsons, as a leader on the team, is advocating for perseverance and unity.it’s indicative of a player-driven locker room that values collective obligation. They understand that when everyone is firing on all cylinders, they can be competitive in the league.
Editor: With Coach Mike mccarthy also on Parsons’ wishlist for 2025, how do you think his leadership has affected the team this season?
Todd Archer: McCarthy’s leadership has had its ups and downs. He’s made some bold decisions, and the players respect his approach, but injuries have hindered his ability to showcase the full potential of his coaching. Parsons’ endorsement of McCarthy speaks volumes—players need consistency and trust in their leaders, especially in tough seasons. If they can return together with a healthy roster,it strengthens the foundation for a more successful year ahead.
Editor: That’s a thoughtful outlook. As the season progresses, what do you think will be the key factors for the Cowboys to turn things around this year and make a push into the postseason?
Todd Archer: Health is paramount, obviously. Beyond that, they need to build depth and maintain morale. If their key contributors can return and remain healthy,the team must also focus on fine-tuning their execution in games. With a critical eye on both the offensive and defensive strategies, it will be key for them to adapt and perform consistently. Leadership from Parsons,McCarthy,and others will drive that.
Editor: Absolutely. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out for the Cowboys as they move forward. Thank you for sharing your insights,Todd; I look forward to seeing how the rest of the season unfolds!
Todd Archer: Thank you for having me! Always a great discussion when it comes to the Cowboys.