Micah Parsons Expected to Join Cowboys’ Offseason Program Amid Contract Talks
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their voluntary offseason program, all eyes are on star pass rusher Micah Parsons. With the program set to kick off next week, new head coach Brian Schottenheimer is optimistic that Parsons will be in attendance. This comes amid ongoing contract negotiations that have left fans and analysts speculating about Parsons’ participation.
Schottenheimer, who is stepping into his role as head coach for the first time, is starting the Cowboys’ conditioning program on Monday. This aligns with the schedule for other teams that have new head coaches. Over the past two years, Parsons has not been a regular participant in the offseason program, opting instead to work independently during early conditioning and organized team activities. However, he has consistently attended the mandatory June minicamp.
With contract talks underway, there has been some concern that Parsons might choose to sit out. This wouldn’t be unprecedented, as last year, Pro Bowl wide receiver CeeDee Lamb skipped the offseason program, minicamp, and most of training camp before securing a four-year, $136 million deal in August. On the other hand, quarterback Dak Prescott did not miss a single day before signing his four-year, $240 million contract as the season opened in September.
Schottenheimer addressed the situation at the NFL’s annual league meeting at The Breakers Resort, saying, “Hey, look at the end of the day this is a business and when you’re dealing with the money that’s being tossed around, not just with Micah but with the big-name players, negotiations sometimes take time. I feel very comfortable. Micah said he’s going to be around. I think that he wants to be. I think we’re all very comfortable with that. And at the end of the day he’s a great player and we think he’s just getting started, to be honest with you. I have no question in my mind that he’ll be around.”
Parsons has expressed a desire to expand his role as a leader within the team. With the departures of key players like DeMarcus Lawrence and Jourdan Lewis in free agency, Parsons has a prime opportunity to step up and fill the leadership void. Prescott has long believed that working out with teammates in the spring has bolstered his leadership skills, and it seems Parsons is eager to follow suit.
Schottenheimer added, “Micah’s excited about the opportunity to step up in a leadership role. There’s no reason he shouldn’t. The best teams I’ve ever been around their best players are their best leaders and so again I think the more you’re around, the more you have a chance to influence the guys, and not just the guys that are back but there’s a bunch of new faces. We’ve added the free agency group. We’re going to add some guys in the draft. That’s a part of the puzzle. But I know he’s excited about that. I think that’s one of the reasons why he will be around.”
- Parsons’ participation in the offseason program is crucial for team chemistry.
- Contract negotiations are a normal part of the business, and patience is key.
- Leadership opportunities are abundant with recent player departures.
- Schottenheimer is confident in Parsons’ commitment to the team.
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on how Parsons integrates into his expanded role. His presence in the offseason program could set the tone for the team’s success and cohesion moving forward. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold.
Originally Written by: Todd Archer
