Cowboys’ Parsons wants McCarthy, others back in 2025

FRISCO, Texas — While Micah Parsons isn’t ready to give up in 2024, the All-Pro pass rusher would like to see the Dallas Cowboys return all of their key contributors for 2025, including coach Mike McCarthy.

“I want to have a fair shot with everybody back — players, coaches — because the injuries kind of hit what this season could really be,” Parsons said in an interview with ESPN that will air before the Cowboys’ “Monday Night Football “. “game against the Cincinnati Bengals. “The injuries have been terrible. And you know, it’s really unfortunate. Seeing Zack (Martin), D-Law (DeMarcus Lawrence) not having the year I know he planned to have. He had such a good start. It’s really a shame. .

“As far as coaching, man, Coach Mike, me and his relationship has always been really good. He’s always taken really good care of me. I just don’t know how the business side of it is going to go, you know? (Owner and general manager Jerry Jones) has his own mindset about who he wants to coach. It’s his team, I’m like a pawn in this business.

In an interview with Yahoo Sports last week, quarterback Dak Prescott said he wants McCarthy to return and that he “wholeheartedly” believes in him. The head coach is in the final year of his contract. Jones recently said on 105.3 The Fan that it “wouldn’t be crazy” for McCarthy to get an extension despite the Cowboys’ record.

Parsons is under contract through 2025 on the fifth-year option on his rookie deal and figures to be the Cowboys’ priority to re-sign after the team made Prescott the highest-paid player in the NFL and CeeDee Lamb the second-highest paid wide receiver.

“I’m Jerry’s guy,” Parsons said. “I think it’s going to be right … I know it’s easier said than done because I’m not at the table, but that’s my guy. We talk about it and how much we value each side, but I know the numbers speak. But at the end of the day, whatever it takes for me to continue being a cowboy until I retire, that’s what I want. And I know it’s going to be tough conversations and reality check, but I think I’m a good enough caliber to be here.”

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is the highest paid defensive player at $34 million per season. Parsons is set to make $21.3 million in 2025.

Parsons was asked if it matters to him if he becomes the highest-paid defensive player.

“I don’t know,” he said. “It really just depends on the circumstances of who we’re trying to get, who’s trying to come back. I also look at it from a business side, you know? If we’re going to be aggressive and bring in players to play on the side of me, because right now, you look at it, I don’t know who I’m playing (with) besides Marshawn (Kneeland) and Sam (Williams) and Mazi (Smith, who’s going to be in). call with Chauncey (Golston). ) and Osa (Odighizuwa) and D-Law (potentially) are not here.

“So for me it’s about the foundation of the team, like, ‘How can I create the best foundation and play with the guys that have helped me create a lot of success?’ Those guys helped me get to where I am, where I can be the highest paid player, so I want as many of us to be here as possible so we can continue to have success and winning seasons.

The Cowboys haven’t been very active in free agency in recent years, choosing to re-sign their own players even though it has become more difficult. The Cowboys will have to deal with Prescott’s $89 million in salary cap space, but can restructure the contract to create more cap space.

“I feel like a lot of times you see ‘highest paid,’ then we say they don’t have guns or they don’t have this,” Parsons said. “So, I’d rather just be in the best situation, you know? At that point, I don’t think there’s that much of a difference between $30 million and $40 million in my eyes, you know? And that’s just me talking. “

Would his agent, David Mulugheta, agree?

“My agent might be mad at me, I even said that,” Parsons said. “But you know, for me, I think I’ve been blessed enough already, brother, where I kind of can’t complain too much in life.”