Micah Parsons is one of the best players in the NFL regardless of position. The fourth-year pass rusher is in the conversation for the best defensive player in the league, has been an All-Pro in each of his first three seasons and has led the Dallas Cowboys in sacks every year during that time span.
All of that success has been achieved by Parsons staying true to himself and doing things his way. This offseason, that trend has continued as Parsons has been away from the Cowboys and been doing things that interest him. Minicamp is the first time Parsons is required to be with the Cowboys and he was on hand for the first of three practices, all of which are open to the media. Parsons provided some eye-opening answers to his approach this offseason and why he wasn’t at OTAs.
Parsons acknowledges the business part of the NFL and understandably wants to preserve his body for the long season ahead, referencing how former Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald used to prepare. The defensive end made it known that unlike OTAs, minicamp is mandatory to attend, which infers that’s the only reason he showed up. Parsons also mentioned “some people get paid a whole lot of money to be here. I’m not one of them.”
There is little doubt that Parsons understands professional football is a business and without an extension that requires him to put himself in harm’s way, he won’t be attending anything that isn’t mandatory. That is fine for Parsons the individual, but what does it say for him as a team player?
Parsons’ offseason endeavors included his podcast called “The Edge with Micah Parsons,” working on-air for Bleacher Report’s NFL draft coverage, and spending time with Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud on a 10-day trip to Asia to grow the game of football. Among the highlights of the trip, Parsons threw out the first pitch in Tokyo and battled a sumo wrestler. The duos journey will be seen in a three-part miniseries on the Bleacher Report app.
Parsons appears to be any and everywhere since last season ended, except with the Cowboys. In one of the most important offseasons for the team in some time, Parsons has chosen to workout away from the team. There’s no doubt Parsons is putting in the work to prepare for the 2024 season, just not with his teammates.
The elite edge rusher is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, but it’s something that doesn’t appear to be on the horizon. That may or may not coincide with Parsons’ absence for team workouts over the past few months.
Parsons also spoke about new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, with whom he’s had almost no contact with this offseason.
Not speaking often with a new coach who’s implementing a new system doesn’t seem ideal. Zimmer’s been one of the better defensive minds in the league over the past 25 years, so Parsons saying he likes things his way and that he isn’t going to compromise on some things doesn’t exactly scream team player. Parsons has been elite since entering the league and that is likely to continue with Zimmer, but the scheme is changing, and he should be amenable to growing under a new teacher.
Few doubt Parsons’ ability or him being ready for the 2024 campaign where he’ll be among the best pass rushers in the league. His commitment to becoming a better player is not in question, it’s how he’s gone about his work that’s brought criticism.
As Mike McCarthy mentioned last week, with Parsons away, it’s an opportunity missed for him to grow with the team. It wasn’t a shot at his star defensive player, but it also wasn’t a comment to be dismissed; McCarthy made it clear where he thought Parsons should be.
With Parsons’ approach to this offseason continuing to be questioned, one thing should be understood, he’s doing it his way. What that means for the season ahead is yet to be known.
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