The Dallas Cowboys have struggled throughout the offseason to reach a contract extension with superstar linebacker Micah Parsons. The four-time Pro Bowler is one of the most valuable defensive players in the league and is potentially set to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.
In an ideal world, the Cowboys would’ve extended Parsons before letting star defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence walk in free agency. Now that that has happened, the franchise has even less leverage in negotiations with the perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Fortunately, Parsons decided to throw his team a bone on Monday and not cause any disruptions as new head coach Brian Schottenheimer takes over. The three-time All-Pro selection was seen attending the start of the team's voluntary offseason workout program.
According to a story written by Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News in March, the Cowboys organization wanted Parsons to participate in the team’s voluntary offseason program. The linebacker has generally not attended these practices, so his decision here indicates to Jerry Jones and company that he is committed to the franchise.
This move, however, also applies more pressure on the Cowboys to get a deal done with the face of their defense this offseason. The NFC East organization is coming off a very trying 7-10 season that saw them make wholesale changes with the coaching staff.
While there haven’t been any significant roster additions over free agency, Jerry Jones has ten picks to work with ahead of the NFL Draft. This team is about to add a ton of new players and could use stable leadership on both sides of the ball.
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Parsons is showing he’s willing to listen to the organization's demands during extension talks. The Cowboys need to take advantage of this window.
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