Projected $100 Million Pass Rusher Skipping Team Practices

Micah Parsons still has two more years until he’s scheduled to hit free agency, so the Cowboys don’t urgently need to give him a new contract. With that being said, the lack of action on a Parsons extension is yet another unwelcome sign for a team that is making a habit of pinching pennies. The Cowboys unwillingness to commit to quarterback Dak Prescott led to his current $55.4 million cap hit, and we could see history repeat itself with Parsons. Dallas drafted one of the best defensive players in the game, so why won’t they pay him accordingly?

Micah Parsons Skips Practices As Contract Talks Stall

Seeing as Micah Parsons skipped voluntary workouts last year, this probably won’t lead to any contract-related holdouts in 2024. However, it’s not completely off the table. The Penn State product has dominated ever since entering the league, winning First-Team All-Pro honors on two occasions while recording 40.5 sacks over just three campaigns.

Depending on what happens with Dak Prescott, the Cowboys might not have the money to give Micah Parsons the contract he desires. If that happens, then they could consider a trade. While most teams would never dream of parting ways with a player this good, the Dallas Cowboys aren’t most teams. Jerry Jones has been remarkably frugal over the past few months, and nothing is off the table for one of the most unpredictable owners in sports.

Potential Trade Destinations

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers wanted Brian Burns to be a foundational part of their defense for years to come. Unfortunately, the two sides couldn’t agree to a deal, and Carolina ultimately traded him to the New York Giants. While Jadeveon Clowney is a fine short-term replacement, Micah Parsons is significantly better and worthy of his inevitable massive contract. Losing Burns could end up being a net positive if it leads to the Panthers getting their hands on the best young edge defender in the game.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints will have to get creative to fit a Micah Parsons contract on their books, but this team is the best in the league at manipulating the salary cap. If they want Parsons, they’ll find a way to get him, and who wouldn’t want one of the best all-around players in the game? With no long-term answer at edge defenders, Parsons can provide a much-needed spark for a team that will need an elite defense if they ever want to go on a deep playoff run.

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens lost several key playmakers in free agency, including Jadeveon Clowney. Without the former first-overall pick, Baltimore must find a steadying presence to pair with Justin Madubuike. The Ravens already have a fierce defense, and signing Micah Parsons to a massive contract would easily give them the best unit in football. With this elite defense, Lamar Jackson should be able to guide this team to a long-awaited Super Bowl.

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans have the biggest competitive advantage in sports: a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract. The team has already gone all-in on building around this championship window, as they’ve added several big-name stars over the past month. However, you can never have too many pass rushers, especially when they still have the salary cap space to sign Micah Parsons. Kansas City won each of the past two Super Bowls, but Parsons and Stroud could combine to overtop this dynasty in 2024.

Los Angeles Chargers

Jim Harbaugh believes in the power of defense and old-school football. The Chargers currently have two aging edge defenders in Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, and while both players are still reliable when healthy, neither is a long-term option. Los Angeles has plenty of cap space and reportedly wants to trade down in the 2024 NFL Draft, so they could send one of their first-round picks to the Cowboys for Micah Parsons, and then sign him to a long-term deal.