Micah Parsons in the crosshairs: Hold-In at Cowboys? Rumors and Negotiations

Micah Parsons’ Situation at Cowboys Training Camp

The focus of attention is on Micah Parsons, the outstanding player for the Dallas Cowboys. Parsons showed up at training camp in Oxnard, California, on Monday. However, uncertainty surrounds his participation in practices, as he has not yet reached a long-term contract extension agreement. The Cowboys’ owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, along with coach Brian Schottenheimer, did not confirm Parsons’ participation in the training sessions, which has generated speculation about a possible “holdout” by the player. So far, there have been no conversations between the Cowboys and Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, about a contract extension. In March, Parsons and Jerry Jones met in the owner’s office in Frisco, Texas. Jones did not want to confirm if they were close to an agreement, but he affirmed that they had reviewed all possible details and had reached an agreement. Historically, Jones has negotiated directly with players to reach contractual agreements without involving their agents. However, Parsons has requested that negotiations be conducted through Mulugheta for a new contract.

I am not at all concerned about what our team can achieve this year and how it will develop in training camp. I am not at all concerned about a contract affecting that in any way. I can’t emphasize that enough.

Jerry Jones

Schottenheimer has indicated that, in case Parsons decides to do a “holdout”, this would not impact the team’s work. “The fact that Micah is here, has talked throughout the offseason about wanting a more important leadership role, has talked about wanting to be great,” said Schottenheimer. “We know he’s a great player. I think we’re excited that he’s here and there are many ways to do this, but we are committed to him taking the next step, not only as a player but as a leader.” During the Cowboys’ press conference, which lasted more than 50 minutes, other topics were also addressed, including the $500,000 reduction clause in cornerback Trevon Diggs’ contract. Diggs did not participate in 84% of the offseason program due to rehabilitation of his operated left knee, resulting in a reduction of $500,000 in his 2025 base salary, remaining at $8 million. Several high-profile players, such as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Osa Odighizuwa, also have this clause in their contracts. Diggs is believed to be the first to experience a salary reduction for not participating.

It would be very detrimental to the team not to comply with the agreement.

Jerry Jones

Jones mentioned that, on occasion, he has considered resigning from his position as general manager due to the Cowboys’ drought without reaching the Super Bowl, which has now reached 29 years, but that it was only for “fractions of a second”. The owner believes that this year’s team has the potential to compete for the championship, as Tyler Smith stated upon arriving on Sunday. “Tyler is one of the smartest guys in the NFL and if he thinks that way, I’ll support it,” Jones smiled. “We have addressed many areas that affected us, looking at what last year was… I think we have addressed them in a good way that will make us better. Having Dak under center is a good starting point.”