While most of the focus is on the NFL Draft in a matter of days, the elephant in the room for the Dallas Cowboys is the future of Micah Parsons with the team.
Parsons is in line for a blockbuster contract extension that is expected to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, but ther has been little progress in negotiations.
During the team's pre-draft press conference, Stephen Jones shared some information about the team's contract talks with Parsons and appeared to indicate that the two sides are still far apart.
"It comes with the territory," Jones said of the Parsons situation, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. "Right now, there is a difference in what we feel is the right number and what he feels is the right number."
Parsons is a generational talent who the Cowboys need to prioritize to avoid losing him down the road. He can be the cornerstone for the defense for the next decade.
New defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has big plans ahead for Parsons in his system, so locking him into a longterm deal and letting him get to work and let loose will help everyone involved.
Last season, Parsons totaled 12 sacks and 43 tackles. By hitting the double-digit mark, Parsons joined an exclusive club of NFL legends to record at least 10 sacks in each of their first four seasons.
The other three players were Pro Football Hall of Famers Dwight Freeney, Derrick Thomas, and Reggie White.
Get to work, Jerry.
— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —
Dallas Cowboys secure perfect 3-round haul in last-minute NFL mock draft
Updated list of Dallas Cowboys 2025 NFL Draft picks entering draft week
Cowboys urged to pursue trade for star WR from NFC powerhouse
Cowboys' first-round draft pick could be major 'curveball' per insider
Meet Kelly Villares: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Rookie
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!