The Dallas Cowboys remain optimistic as they negotiate a long-term extension with edge rusher Micah Parsons.
"We've had good visits with him and feel good about where we're headed," Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said Sunday, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.
"I don't want to get into any details. It's not fair for anybody," Jones added. "We've got a great working relationship with Micah and think the world of him."
Jones' comments follow a March 18 report that indicated Dallas hadn't had meaningful contract talks with its top defensive player. The 25-year-old, who will earn $24 million in the last season of his rookie contract in 2025, is expected to become the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback when he signs a new deal.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase recently signed a four-year, $161-million extension, the highest-ever for a non-QB. Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett is the league's highest-paid defender after inking a four-year pact worth $160 million.
Parsons is expected to ask for a $200-million contract, according to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News. The 2021 No. 12 overall pick has established himself as one of football's top defenders, registering 52.5 sacks in 63 games. He's also earned three All-Pro berths and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award while finishing in the top three for Defensive Player of the Year three times.
The Cowboys rewarded their best offensive players - quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb - with lucrative long-term extensions last year, but Dallas took its time before reaching an agreement with them. Lamb received his new deal after a training camp holdout, and Prescott became the NFL's highest-paid quarterback in September.
Jones downplayed the narrative that Dallas waits too long to extend its franchise players.
"We've done the early before, and we've waited until the end to do them," Jones said. "A lot of it is just the negotiation itself. Some of them take longer than others. And we put about zero credibility or credence into people saying you wait too long."
