Cowboys' Micah Parsons provides crucial update on his contract extension

That communication includes discussions which were reported in April by DLLS’ Clarence Hill Jr. At that point, it was reported the framework of an agreement was in place between Parsons and owner Jerry Jones with the final details left to be ironed out. While that report has been called into question, Jones has since confirmed that the parties spoke early in the spring, and further corroboration has emerged regarding that initial arrangement.

Parsons confirmed to Hill that while no firm agreement has been reached, he and Jones had a productive face-to-face encounter. The two-time All-Pro gave the longtime Dallas owner a price point for an extension, and Jones responded that it was “doable.” It is unclear what Parsons’ proposal was valued at, but Hill’s original report stated an offer was made which would make the 26-year-old the league’s top earner for edge-rushers.

“I’m pretty hopeful,” Parsons told reporters on Tuesday, via USA Today. “I understand that it’s up to (Jerry Jones). He gives the green light on everything, so hopefully something is done by next month.”

Crucially, communication with Parsons’ representation has proved to be sparse over the course of the offseason. Hill notes Jones has still yet to speak with agent David Mulugheta to finalize the extension that was agreed to (at least in principle) months ago. Jones drew criticism with his remarks in April that he was not concerned about Parsons’ agent and did not know his name.

In the time since early April, COO Stephen Jones has noted a gap remaining between team and player in negotiations (something that is certainly eyebrow-raising given the financial arrangement already agreed to during the summit between Parsons and Jerry Jones). Garrett currently leads the EDGE market at $40M annually, and T.J. Watt (Steelers) and Trey Hendrickson (Bengals) are among the veterans who could land a deal at least near that mark later this offseason.

Parsons is joined by former Lions No. 2 pick Aidan Hutchinson as a prominent pass-rusher eligible for a second — rather than third — contract. His age (26) could lead to a more lucrative deal than Garrett’s, something that would, of course, have notable cap implications given last year’s Cowboys commitments to quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb. Parsons was absent from voluntary practices this spring, but in an encouraging sign from a contract standpoint, he did not join the likes of Watt and Hendrickson by skipping mandatory minicamp.

At times, players angling for an extension have adopted a hold-in stance by attending mandatory practices without taking the field. Parsons is participating in drills, however, as noted by The Athletic’s Jon Machota. It will be interesting to see if that decision is followed by a new round of talks with the front office or if the wait will continue for a deal to be finalized.