Micah Parsons Wants McCarthy and Key Cowboys Back for 2025

Micah Parsons Wants McCarthy and Key Cowboys Back for 2025

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys’ season may still have some life left in it, but All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons is already looking ahead to 2025. And he’s got one clear wish: to see all the key pieces of the team, including head coach Mike McCarthy, return for another shot at glory.

“I think I would like a fair shot with everyone back — players, coaches — because the injuries kind of struck of what this season could really be,” Parsons shared in an interview with ESPN. The interview is set to air before the Cowboys’ Monday Night Football showdown 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 great start. It really sucks.”

Parsons didn’t hold back when talking about his relationship with McCarthy, either. “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.”

Prescott Joins the McCarthy Support Train

Parsons isn’t the only Cowboy throwing his support behind McCarthy. Last week, quarterback Dak Prescott told Yahoo Sports that he “wholeheartedly believes” in McCarthy and wants him to return. McCarthy is currently in the final year of his contract, but Jones recently hinted on 105.3 The Fan that it wouldn’t be “crazy” for McCarthy to earn an extension, even with the Cowboys’ current record.

Parsons, who is under contract through 2025 thanks to the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, is expected to be a top priority for the Cowboys when it comes to re-signing. The team has already made Prescott the highest-paid player in the NFL and CeeDee Lamb the second-highest-paid wide receiver. But Parsons’ future with the team isn’t just about the money—it’s about the relationships and the foundation of the team.

“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.”

Parsons’ Paycheck vs. Team Success

Currently, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa holds the title of the highest-paid defensive player, earning $34 million per season. Parsons, on the other hand, is set to make $21.3 million in 2025. When asked if becoming the highest-paid defensive player mattered to him, Parsons had a thoughtful response.

“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 because 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 [potentially] not being here.”

For Parsons, it’s not just about the money—it’s about building a team that can win. “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.”

Balancing the Budget

The Cowboys have a history of focusing on re-signing their own players rather than making big splashes in free agency. However, that strategy is becoming increasingly difficult. The team will have to address Prescott’s $89 million salary-cap figure, though restructuring his deal could create more cap room.

Parsons is aware of the financial balancing act. “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,” he 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.”

When asked if his agent, David Mulugheta, would agree with his perspective, Parsons laughed. “My agent might be mad at me. I even said that,” he admitted. “But, you know, for me, I mean I’ve already been blessed enough, bro, where, like, I can’t complain, too much in life.”

As the Cowboys gear up for their Monday night clash with the Bengals, one thing is clear: Parsons is thinking long-term, and he’s hoping the Cowboys’ front office is, too.