Dallas Cowboys stars Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs arrived at The Star, the team’s training facility, on Monday, signalling their participation in the mandatory minicamp that began Tuesday, according to reports from ESPN and CBSSports.com.
The presence of the All-Pro linebacker and the former All-Pro cornerback marks a significant development for a Cowboys team navigating contract disputes and injury concerns as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season.
Parsons, a three-time All-Pro edge rusher, is entering the final year of his rookie contract under a fifth-year option worth $21.32 million, picked up by Dallas last spring.
His attendance at minicamp quells speculation about a potential holdout, as the 26-year-old has been vocal about seeking a long-term extension that could make him the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player.
Parsons, who became the fourth player in NFL history to record at least 10 sacks in each of his first four seasons in 2024, has expressed confidence in ongoing negotiations, stating on his podcast, The Edge with Micah Parsons, “Something will happen.”
However, no deal has been finalised, and the Cowboys face pressure to secure their defensive cornerstone amid a tight salary cap.
Fans noted Parsons’ commitment to minicamp, with one user writing, “Micah’s here to work, not sit out—shows his leadership.”
Diggs, meanwhile, is under scrutiny due to a contract clause that could cost him $500,000 of his 2025 base salary if he fails to participate in 84.375% of the team’s offseason programme.
The two-time Pro Bowler, who signed a five-year, $97 million extension in 2023, is recovering from a season-ending knee surgery in December 2024, following a torn ACL in the same knee in 2023.
His absence from voluntary Organised Team Activities (OTAs) while rehabbing in Miami raised concerns, with ESPN reporting that the Cowboys prefer he rehabilitate under team supervision at The Star.
Despite a positive medical evaluation two weeks ago, Diggs’ recovery timeline remains uncertain, with some projections suggesting he may not be fully cleared until training camp.
Fans expressed mixed sentiments, with one stating, “Trevon’s got to show up healthy—can’t lose that $500K.”
The Cowboys’ defence, which led the NFL in takeaways from 2021 to 2023, struggled in 2024 without Parsons and Diggs at full strength.
Parsons missed four games with a high ankle sprain, while Diggs, who recorded an interception in the season opener, was limited by injuries.
The team’s 3-7 record last season underscored the need for their return to form, with Parsons and Diggs publicly insisting on their podcast that Dallas remains “a damn good football team”.
Their camaraderie, highlighted by a viral video of Parsons playfully attempting a WWE-style RKO on Diggs during a 2024 practice, underscores their close bond, with Parsons calling Diggs his “best friend” and expressing hope they retire together as Cowboys.
As minicamp unfolds, all eyes are on Parsons’ on-field participation and Diggs’ rehabilitation progress. The Cowboys, under a new defensive coordinator, are banking on their star duo to anchor a revamped defence.
With the NFL Draft approaching and trade rumours swirling—some suggesting Dallas could move Diggs to free up cap space for Parsons’ extension—the minicamp offers a critical glimpse into the team’s 2025 prospects.
