Micah Parsons Skips Practice, Frustrating Cowboys Coach

Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys' star defensive end, has been absent from practice as he seeks a new contract.

Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys' standout defensive end, has become one of the most dominant defensive players in the league, finishing in the top three in Defensive Player of the Year voting in each of his three NFL seasons. However, the 11th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft is currently not practicing with the team as negotiations for a new contract continue.

The common practice for players in Parsons' situation is to avoid taking the field until a new deal is in place. Parsons has followed this trend, staying away from the Cowboys' practice complex. However, the 24-year-old was present at the complex on Wednesday, and head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged Parsons' limited participation.

McCarthy, while expressing appreciation for Parsons' presence, emphasized that the missed practice time is a missed opportunity for improvement. He mentioned the importance of practices in refining mental and physical abilities, as well as fostering emotional connections within the team.

Parsons' absence comes after a disappointing end to the 2022 season for the Cowboys, who lost in the wild-card round to the Green Bay Packers. After the playoff exit, Parsons expressed a desire to become a more influential leader for the team.

The star pass rusher has accumulated 13, 13.5, and 14 sacks in his first three seasons, earning First-Team All-Pro honors in 2021 and 2022. However, in 2023, he slipped to the Second-Team All-Pro, finishing behind T.J. Watt, Nick Bosa, and Myles Garrett in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Parsons' contract negotiations are likely to be influenced by the recent contract extensions given to other top young players in his draft class. Amon-Ra St. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Nico Collins have all received extensions, while Parsons remains without a new deal.

The Cowboys will hope to get Parsons back on the field as soon as possible, as he is a crucial part of their defensive unit. The team is also in negotiations with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who is also seeking a new contract.

The Cowboys' offseason has been marked by contract negotiations and roster moves. The team has already made several changes, including the departure of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and the signing of former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson.

As the Cowboys prepare for the 2023 season, they will need to find a way to keep their star players happy while also balancing their salary cap. Parsons' contract situation will be a major storyline to watch as the offseason unfolds.