Two key players for the Dallas Cowboys have made an early appearance at the team’s facility, arriving a day before the start of mandatory minicamp.
All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons and former All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs were spotted at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Monday. Both players are expected to participate in the minicamp, which kicks off soon.
Micah Parsons: A Big Presence Amid Contract Talks
Micah Parsons’ arrival is significant, given his current contract situation. Though he has already stated that he would attend minicamp, it’s important to note that he is still playing under his fifth-year option, which was picked up by the Cowboys last year.
This contract situation has drawn attention as Parsons is expected to sign a long-term extension at some point this offseason. Despite not having a new contract in place yet, Parsons participated in part of the team’s OTAs, showing his commitment to staying in shape and ready for the season.
Parsons has been a key player for the Cowboys, quickly establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top defenders. In 2024, he became just the fourth player in NFL history to record 10 or more sacks in each of his first four seasons. Last season, despite missing four games due to injury, Parsons still managed to tally 12 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.
When Parsons does sign his new contract, it is expected to be a major deal, possibly making him one of the highest-paid defenders in NFL history. The current record for the highest-paid defender is held by Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, but Parsons’ performance suggests he could surpass that mark.
Trevon Diggs: Financial Motivation and Injury Recovery
Trevon Diggs also made his way back to the Cowboys’ facility, but his return is driven by different financial reasons. Diggs’ contract includes a clause requiring him to participate in at least 84.375% of the team’s offseason program to avoid triggering a $500,000 de-escalator in his contract.
Although Diggs did not participate in OTAs this year due to recovering from knee surgery, his arrival ensures that he meets the required participation percentage to keep his contract intact.
Diggs is expected to begin the 2024 season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, as he continues to recover from his knee surgery. His timeline for return is still uncertain, but the Cowboys are hoping that, once healthy, Diggs can return to his previous All-Pro form and continue to be one of the top cornerbacks in the league.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys prepare for the 2024 season, the hope is that both Parsons and Diggs will be key contributors once fully healthy. While Parsons’ contract extension is still pending, the expectation is that he will sign a long-term deal before the season begins.
As for Diggs, the Cowboys are hopeful that his recovery progresses smoothly, allowing him to return to the field and play at an elite level.
The combination of Parsons’ leadership and talent along with Diggs’ abilities in the secondary will be crucial for the Cowboys’ defense in 2024. Fans and analysts will be closely watching as both players continue to navigate contract matters and injuries before the season begins.
