Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons heard the talk surrounding Dallas’ noticeably quiet free agency ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, which will take place in Detroit from April 25 through April 27.
The All-Pro pass rusher explained what he wants Cowboys owner Jerry Jones — who promised to go “all in” at a pre-draft conference Tuesday after another early playoff exit last season — to do and why he’s not worried about the future in Dallas.
“It’s a lot of talk [about free agency], but I would just love to see them add guys who are going to come in and help me and [quarterback] Dak [Prescott] and create opportunities for [wide receiver] CeeDee [Lamb], you know, get things rolling and get back into the positive direction — obviously making playoffs and making a chance at a Super Bowl run,” Parsons, 25, told The Post while promoting Bleacher Report’s live NFL Draft Show, featuring him and Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, which begins Thursday.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) gestures to fans after the team’s NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 9, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. APParsons — the 12th overall pick by Dallas in the 2021 NFL Draft — emphasized patience and a focus on young, quality players.
“In reality, we still have six or seven All-Pros on our team, [that are] returning to the team that we didn’t lose,” he said. “We might have lost some fundamental, foundational pieces, but it’s nothing that we can’t obtain in the draft and things that we can make [happen] in June.
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“There is still time before the season. And I think we’re going to add a great group of guys… undrafted free agents that are still high-quality players. Look at [safety] Juanyeh Thomas, and how he contributes to our team and he’s going to grow into a bigger role this year, and he was an undrafted guy.”
The Cowboys own seven picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, including No. 24 overall in the first round.
Parsons’ reaction to the pick will be shown in real-time during Bleacher Report’s live NFL Draft Show — which will air on the B/R app and YouTube through all seven rounds across the three-day event, beginning Thursday at 7:45 p.m. ET.
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson is sacked by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2023. AP“I’m such a fan,” Parsons said of the 2024 draft class. “I want to see these young guys come into the league and make their mark, and that’s what it’s about… This is kind of like passing the stone, and then you kind of see your competition grow.”
Parsons and Stroud, the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, will share their unique perspectives and insights live from B/R’s New York studio, and they will take questions from fans via “The Chat” in the B/R app during Round 1 of the draft.
The Post spoke with Parsons before the Cowboys exercised his fifth-year option on his rookie deal Wednesday, which keeps him under contract with Dallas through the 2025 season.
Prescott and Lamb, who make up Dallas’ Big 3 with Parsons, are both up for long-term extensions after strong campaigns in 2023.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) before the game against the New England Patriots at AT&T Stadium Oct 1, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones speaks during a news conference about the upcoming NFL football draft, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Frisco, Texas. APThe quarterback led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes and Lamb led the league with 135 catches in 2023.
Parsons — who is entering his fourth NFL season and is three-for-three in Pro Bowl nods — led the Cowboys in sacks with 14 in 2023.
However, the Cowboys’ season ended in disappointing fashion when they were routed by the Packers in the wild-card round, 48-32.
Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, owner Jerry Jones and Executive Vice Pesident Stephen Jones laugh during a news conference about the upcoming NFL football draft, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Frisco, Texas. APIt was Dallas’ 13th straight playoff appearance without reaching a conference championship.
They’re under pressure in this year’s draft to fill critical vacancies after losing eight players, including five starters, in free agency.
So far, they only signed two outside free agents, Pro Bowl linebacker Eric Kendricks and running back Royce Freeman.
