Micah Parsons Contract Drama: Cowboys Urged to Pay Star Defender in 2025

The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the 2025 season with a glaring spotlight on one of their brightest stars, Micah Parsons. As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, the edge rusher has already carved out a legacy with an impressive stat line: 256 tackles, 63 tackles for loss, and a whopping 52.5 sacks in just 63 games since joining the NFL in 2021. The question on everyone’s mind is simple—why hasn’t he been paid the big bucks yet?

Cowboys EVP and CEO Stephen Jones recently addressed the growing fan frustration, especially after supporters openly heckled owner Jerry Jones to secure Parsons’ future with the team. Jones’ response was candid yet cryptic: "We want to pay Micah too. He’s got to want to be paid." It’s a statement that raises eyebrows—does it hint at negotiations stalling, or is it just business talk?

Parsons isn’t shy about his worth, either. He’s pointed out how delays in signing him have likely driven up the price tag for Dallas, especially as other top defensive talents like Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt cashed in during the offseason. Last week, Parsons expressed a desire for the Cowboys to match the enthusiasm other franchises have shown in locking down their defensive cornerstones. With a mix of resignation and resolve, he added, "If they don’t want me here, they don’t want me here. I’ll go about my business."

For now, Parsons is at camp, though not fully participating due to minor back tightness. He’s not holding out, but his comments and limited involvement signal that this contract saga is far from over. With Dallas recently extending other players like tight end Jake Ferguson, the pressure is mounting to ensure Parsons doesn’t become the one that got away.