The future contract status of elite pass rushers will ideally never become a genuine concern among a fan base, especially if a sizable chunk of the team's ceiling is tied to the player in question. It is undoubtedly one of the most important positions in the NFL, usually forcing owners to acquiesce to lofty demands. But the Dallas Cowboys have more to worry about than just Micah Parsons.
The multi-time First-Team All-Pro skipped organized team activities (OTAS) in his pursuit of a massive contract extension. Even though he showed up for mandatory minicamp, the franchise and fans could still find themselves in an uncomfortable situation they were hoping would never come to pass. With quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb also both seeking new deals, there is the risk Parsons is deprioritized.
Nevertheless, the 25-year-old reportedly has no interest in playing for another team, at least not for a long time. His heart currently resides in Dallas, but his Pennsylvania roots do open the possibility of a return out east at some point.
There is even a squad in The Keystone State being floated as a potential destination. Though, it might not be the one most fans think.
“Parsons has no interest in playing anywhere but with the Cowboys,” Clarence Hill Jr. posted on X. “He said it’s important for his legacy and doesn’t want to bounce around. But if he hypothetically did go home later in his career it would be to join the Pittsburgh Steelers not the Philadelphia Eagles, partly because of Mike Tomlin.”
Could Cowboys' Micah Parsons ever end up with the Steelers?
Pittsburgh is often paradise for a top-tier defensive talent, with the team's identity firmly predicated on suffocating opposing offenses. The philosophy has resulted in more playoff berths than expected while also allowing Tomlin to avoid a losing season in his head coaching career. Parsons could achieve mammoth success with the Steelers.
There are a few possible roadblocks to such a union, however, particularly if he wishes to stay with the Cowboys for several more years. Tomlin's job security faced some uncertainty last season, so there is no telling how many years he has left in Pittsburgh. Considering the Super Bowl 43 champion has been at the helm since 2007, he might crave a new football environment.
If that is the case, then Micah Parsons might miss his chance to play for Mike Tomlin in his home state. The Steelers also have T.J. Watt lining up on the edge, whom the Cowboys star notably left out of his list of top-five pass rushers in the league. It might not be practical for either Parsons or Pittsburgh to come together at all, even in the twilight of the Penn State product's career.
Of course, the probability could soon change if contract talks between Parsons and the Cowboys continue to drag. He is clearly focused on inking a new deal in the near future. If Dallas feels differently, then the three-time Pro Bowler might take off the love goggles and chase other options.
Lingering tension is the best pathway for a Pennsylvania return, but it is just a fantasy for now. One that Steelers fans will store in the back of their minds until the time comes to revisit it.
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