There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the Dallas Cowboys heading into 2025, as they made several big offseason changes, including hiring head coach Brian Schottenheimer and trading for wide receiver George Pickens.
On Monday, the team had their first day of voluntary OTAs, and despite not being required to attend, Micah Parsons was there, which prompted a clear reaction from his new head coach.
“The first couple of days, we’re doing some team-building things, some culture,” Schottenheimer said. “We’re trying to create one of the greatest cultures in professional sports. Micah is going to be a leader for us. He wants to be a leader for us. He’s going to do that.”
A video of that quote was posted by the Cowboys’ official X account, which ended up drawing a response from Parsons, who stated, “Big trust !”
Of course, Parsons is entering the 2025 season in a very interesting position, as he will be playing under his fifth-year option and set to make $24 million, and by no means a small amount of money.
However, he and Dallas have been actively working on a contract extension, which Jacob Camenker of USA TODAY predicts will be worth $201 million over five years and make him the highest-paid defender in NFL history.
There’s no doubt Parsons has earned himself a big payday, because in his first four seasons, he has already accumulated 256 tackles, 52.5 sacks, 63 tackles for loss, 112 quarterback hits, and 177 pressures.
Dallas Cowboys EDGE Micah Parsons.
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Even without an extension in place, though, it’s clear the four-time Pro Bowler is focused on helping the Cowboys and Schottenheimer have a strong 2025 season and help improve on their 7-10 record in 2024.
