Dallas Cowboys risk losing $24M star after Mike McCarthy debacle
The Dallas Cowboys’ management of the Mike McCarthy situation could affect how the team deals with star Micah Parsons in the future.
On Jan. 13, the Cowboys shocked the football world by firing McCarthy, despite owner and general manager Jerry Jones stating that the 61-year-old was the man to lead Dallas back to glory. In McCarthy’s place, Jones elevated offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to be the Cowboys’ next head coach.
With how the Cowboys went about dealing with McCarthy’s situation and the franchise’s direction, it appears as if Parsons could be on the way out. TWSN’s Marissa Myers deduced that if the Cowboys fail to garner results, the star could force his way out.
Myers wrote that the 25-year-old will be looking for results and since he arrived in Dallas, the Cowboys have not had sustained success. Parsons also is in the fifth-year rookie contract option, making $24 million and with his contract situation in flux, Myers determined that not getting a contract to his liking could force Dallas to trade him.
As it stands, Parsons is set to receive a contract similar to what San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa was awarded in recent years. The former Defensive Player of the Year signed a five-year, $170 million contract with the 49ers, with an average annual salary of $34 million.
What complicates matters is that the Cowboys already are paying star wideout CeeDee Lamb $34 million and star quarterback Dak Prescott $60 million. Myers believes that if Dallas fails to find a suitable middle ground on negotiations, it could lose the star to another team.
Parsons himself admitted that the Cowboys moving on from McCarthy was tough for him. Speaking on ‘The Edge’ podcast, the star freely shared his thoughts on Dallas’ decision to part ways with the 61-year-old after another down season with high expectations.
“I’m obviously very sad because of the relationships we had with Coach McCarthy and everything he’s done for our program,” Parsons admitted, per ESPN. “Three straight 12-5 seasons, playoff appearances and obviously an unfortunate year due to injuries… It is devastating. Coach Mike is a great father, great coach. One of the most winningest coaches. He’s always been good to us as a unit, coaches, players. Losing a great coach like Mike hurts.”
