The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL this season. Heading into Week 14, the team is 5–7 and third in the NFC East.
Despite the disappointing performance, star linebacker Micah Parsons wants head coach Mike McCarthy to return next season. It would run counter to the sentiment of firing McCarthy for failing to meet expectations.
Still, according to Parsons, it’s unfair to judge the coach — or the team — because of all the injuries the Cowboys have suffered this season. He expressed this belief during an interview with ESPN which will air before Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“I think I would like to have a fair chance with everyone — players, coaches — because the injuries have kind of hit what this season could really be,” Parsons said. “The injuries have been terrible. And, you know, it really sucks. See Zack [Martin]Law D [DeMarcus Lawrence] not having the year I know he had planned. He had a very good start. It really sucks.”
This week, the Cowboys announced that Martin had opted for ankle surgery that would sideline him for the team’s remaining five games. Lawrence has been on injured reserve since suffering a foot injury in Week 4.
Parsons’ sentiments echo those of quarterback Dak Prescott, who suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in Week 9. Prescott told Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports that he believes ” wholeheartedly” in McCarthy.
“I believe in him wholeheartedly,” Prescott said, speaking in partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods. “I don’t necessarily want to get into the details of all that, obviously, but I think he definitely deserves a chance – another contract and a chance to coach this team with more influence. ‘On his terms’ could be a good way to put it.”
Parsons will almost certainly be back with the Cowboys next season, playing out the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. Supporting McCarthy therefore seems significant in these circumstances.
Dallas has already agreed to pay big money to Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Prescott’s deal made him the highest-paid player in NFL history, while Lamb’s contract ranks second among receivers in the league.
Parsons should be next in line after establishing himself as one of the NFL’s best passers with 47 sacks in four seasons. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year and was named first-team All-Pro in his first two seasons. Last year, Parsons was named a second-team All-Pro.
“I’m Jerry’s guy,” Parsons told ESPN, referring to his relationship with Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. “I know it’s easier said than done because I’m not at the table, but he’s my guy. We talk about it and how much we like each side, but I know the numbers But man, at the end of the day, whatever it takes for me to continue being a Cowboy until I retire, that’s what I want.”
However, Parsons added that being the highest-paid defensive player matters less to him than whether the Cowboys have the resources to build a championship roster.
