The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the NFL’s biggest disappointments this season. In Week 14, the team is 5–7 and third in the NFC East.
Despite that disappointing performance, star linebacker Micah Parsons wants head coach Mike McCarthy to return next season. That would go against the sentiment of firing McCarthy for not meeting expectations.
Still, Parsons said 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 that will air before Monday night’s game with the Cincinnati Bengals.
“I think I would like to have a fair shot with everyone backing me up – players, coaches – because the injuries gave a glimpse of what this season could really be,” Parsons said. ‘The injuries were terrible. And you know, it really sucks. See Zack [Martin]D-law [DeMarcus Lawrence] not having the year I know he planned to have. He had such a great start. It’s really stupid.”
This week, the Cowboys announced that Martin had opted for ankle surgery, which will 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 Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein that he believes in McCarthy “with all his heart.”
“I believe in him with all my heart,” said Prescott, in association with Dick’s Sporting Goods. “I don’t necessarily want to get into the nuts and bolts of course, but I think he definitely deserves a chance – a new contract and a chance to coach this team with more influence. ‘On his terms’ might be a good way to put it.”
Parsons will definitely return to the Cowboys next season and play the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. Under these circumstances, it seems sensible to support McCarthy.
Dallas has already agreed to pay a lot of money to Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb. Prescott’s deal made him the highest-paid player in NFL history, while Lamb’s contract ranks second among the league’s receivers.
Parsons will be next in line after establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top pass rushers with 47 sacks in four seasons. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and was named first-team All-Pro in his first two seasons. Last year, Parsons was named 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 that’s my man. We talk about it and how much we appreciate each side, but I know numbers talk. But man, in the end, no matter what It takes to remain a Cowboy until I retire, that’s what I want.”
However, Parsons added that being the highest-paid defensive player is less important to him than the Cowboys having the resources to build a championship roster.
