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In a heavily edited snippet from a longer interview, Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons had some really interesting words on Monday Night Countdown. Talking to the incomparable Todd Archer, Parsons spoke to the upcoming offseason negotiations that could make him the highest-paid non quarterback in the entire NFL.
And in his conversation he gave words that will make headlines, but also have a realistic view of things. Parsons wants to play for the Cowboys for life, and he’d be willing to take less but only if it’s because Dallas is truly making an effort to bring in help.
“I’m Jerry’s guy… I know numbers talk, but at the end of the day, whatever it takes for me to continue to be a Cowboy until I retire. I really just love this place. I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.”
When asked by Archer if it matters to be the highest-paid defensive player, Parsons went even deeper.
“It really just depends on the circumstances of who we’re trying to get. Who’s trying to return? To me it’s all about the foundation of the team. How can I create the best foundation and play with the guys who’ve helped me create a lot of success? Those guys helped me get to where I am. It’s all about the aggressiveness, how we look at free agency. You see a lot of times, the highest-paid player, and we see they don’t have weapons. I’d rather just be in the best situation. At that point, I don’t think there’s a big difference between $30 and $40 million.”
“My agent might be mad at me.”
Parsing Parsons’ words is important here. Parsons is clearly laying down the gauntlet to Jones that he’s going to have to go out and get the players in free agency to prove to him it’s in his (Parsons) best interest to take a hometown discount.
He’s not going to shortchange himself just for the team to be inactive in free agency. Parsons has been vocal in watching other teams load up in free agency and go for it all.
Parsons was part of a tumultuous offseason for the Cowboys that saw their three leading superstars take completely different paths to their contract situations. WR CeeDee Lamb held out of OTAs and training camp until he was awarded a new deal at the top of the wideout market. QB Dak Prescott showed up to every practice throughout as the leader of the team and was awarded a new deal making him the highest-paid player (on average) in NFL history.
Parsons straddled between the two, missing OTAs but showing up for all mandatory work. His situation was a bit different, as he had two years remaining on his deal at the time. Now, as 2024 winds down, he’s preparing for an offseason scenario similar to his teammates was this past spring and summer.
Here’s the full interview.