Photo Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons reported to training camp in Oxnard, California, on Monday. But there’s still a big question: Will he take part in practices starting Tuesday?
Parsons is seeking a long-term contract extension, and with no deal in place, there’s speculation he might go through a “hold-in” — reporting to camp but sitting out practices.
No Contract Talks Yet
Despite his arrival, there have been no discussions between the Cowboys and Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta. Both team owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones have yet to speak with Mulugheta about a new contract.
Parsons and Jerry Jones did meet in person back in March at The Star in Frisco. According to Jones, the conversation covered “every possible detail” and ended in agreement — though it’s unclear what exactly they agreed on.
In past contract negotiations, Jones has sometimes worked directly with players. But Parsons has asked the team to work through his agent this time.
Jones Not Worried About Timing or Cost
Jerry Jones doesn’t seem concerned about the timing of a new deal — or how much it could eventually cost. He referenced past holdouts, like when Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith missed two games in 1993 during a contract standoff before helping the Cowboys win the Super Bowl that season.
“Two years ago, we were here, and I think Zack Martin wasn’t here,” Jones said. “You had a situation although he had a contract, so you worked through that. … There’s nothing new about what we’re talking about relative to contracts. That’s been going on a long time; if you say, ‘Well, if you don’t get him in, are you going to lose the first two games and go on and win the Super Bowl?’ Well, I’ll take that.”
Top edge rushers like Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt have recently signed massive extensions, with Watt’s deal reportedly averaging $41 million per year. Still, Jones isn’t worried about rising prices.
“It’s just the times you’re in and the money you’re at,” Jones said. “I’m not trying to be cute, but it’s all relevant. Again, I don’t have any issue. I’m not concerned at all about what our team can be this year and develop into and what we make of our training camp. I’m not at all concerned about a contract that involves or affects that in any way. I can’t emphasize that enough.”
Coaches Still Confident in Parsons
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said Parsons’ presence at camp shows his commitment — even if he doesn’t immediately practice.
“The fact that Micah is here, he’s talked all offseason about wanting more of a leadership role, he’s talked about wanting to be great,” Schottenheimer said. ‘We know he’s a great player. I think we’re excited he’s here and there’re a lots of ways to get this thing done, but we’re committed to having him take that next step, not just as a player but as a leader.”
Trevon Diggs Hit with Contract Clause
Cornerback Trevon Diggs also made news during the Cowboys’ opening press conference. Because Diggs didn’t take part in 84% of the team’s offseason program while rehabbing his surgically repaired knee, his 2025 base salary was reduced by $500,000 — dropping from $8.5 million to $8 million.
The clause that triggered the pay cut — called a “de-escalator” — has been in several Cowboys players’ contracts, including Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Osa Odighizuwa. However, Diggs is believed to be the first player to actually lose money because of it.
Jones defended the decision: “It would be very detrimental to the team not to abide by the agreement.”
Diggs will start training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Looking Toward the Season
The Cowboys haven’t won a Super Bowl in nearly three decades, and Jerry Jones admitted that the long drought has made him think — though only for “fractions of seconds” — about stepping down as general manager.
Still, he believes the team is built to contend this season.
Jones pointed to quarterback Dak Prescott and improvements in key areas as reasons for hope.
“Having Dak under center is a good place to start,” Jones said. “We’ve addressed the areas that hurt us last year. I think we’re in a better position now.”
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This report used information from ESPN.
