Micah Parsons isn't sweating the fact he missed the Dallas Cowboys' entire voluntary offseason program.
"Yeah, you know, I think the more years you have, the more you understand that there's also like the business side to it," Parsons said, per NFL Network's Jane Slater. "You know, and I think that's what camp is for. I mean, there was a time where Aaron Donald didn't even go to camp and he won Defensive Player of the Year and then went to the playoffs. Like, are we forgetting these times? Like we wasn't talking about the best defensive player wasn't even in camp. And we're in minicamps. Voluntary at that. So you know, (mini)camp was something that is mandatory. So, I'm just looking at it as a time for my body to heal. I'm playing as an undersized rusher who is banged up every year. So I'm just letting my body heal. I'm just trying to grow, strengthen, and really just get ready for the year."
Parsons' absence likely has as much to do with his lack of long-term contract extension as it does his desire to heal his body. The Cowboys have made no progress with the Pro Bowler on a long-term contract, as is the case with several stars on the roster.
Parsons, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are all without extensions despite seeming like obvious candidates for big deals this offseason. Prescott and Lamb are headed into the final year of their respective contracts, while Parsons is under contract through the 2025 season. The Penn State product will make just $3 million this season before earning $21.3 million under the fifth-year option of his rookie contract.
Dallas coach Mike McCarthy expressed concern with Parsons' absence in large part because the team is installing a new system this offseason under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
"I think any time that you have a chance to be together, it's an opportunity to improve," McCarthy said. "Whether it's in the mental realm, the physical realm and the emotional connection and so forth. It's a long year. Training camp is really the heightened focus for all of that, but it's definitely an opportunity that's been missed [for Parsons]."
Parsons' role is expected to be a bit different under Zimmer, who is known for rigidly sticking to his scheme, and it seems the pair have not done much communication this offseason.
"Honestly, me and Zim have probably said a total of 20 words together," Parsons said. "He's a very quiet person. All I keep hearing from the coaches, 'Zim likes it [like] this' Well, I like it this way. So I can't wait to sit down with him because that would be pretty cool. Obviously, old school mindset, old school mentality. You know I think he's had a lot of great players but he ain't ever had a Micah.
"Obviously, some things I've got to get used to, too. You know it's going to be a compromising relationship."
Parsons thrived under former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who took over as the Washington Commanders' head coach this offseason. Quinn used Parsons all over the field, ranging from middle linebacker, to defensive end to stand-up edge rusher.
It's unclear how Zimmer will utilize his versatile defensive star, but it appears we'll find out soon enough with mandatory workouts upcoming.
