NBA superstar Kevin Durant made a bold pitch to recruit Micah Parsons to the Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys star didn’t exactly shut it down, sparking backlash from fans.
Durant — a noted Washington fan — and Parsons were both at Fanatics Fest. Interviewer Kay Adams asked if Durant wanted to use an opportunity on the mic to recruit Parsons.
“I think Micah will be a Commander at some point in his career,” Durant said. “I’m going to say two years from now.”
Instead of shutting it down, Parsons gave a shoutout to his former defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, who is now the head coach of the Commanders.
“I only rock with Dan Quinn,” Parsons said.
Parsons’ response did not sit well with some Cowboys fans.
“Micah is everything wrong about this generation. Terrible TEAMmate not squashing this immediately as the face of a franchise,” one fan said.
“Sell out,” another added. “Tell your agent to orchestrate a trade to the Commanders so you can rock out with DQ! See how much money you make in endorsements with the Commanders!”
Parsons is heading into the final year of his rookie deal and is currently in contract negotiations with the Cowboys. He is a near-perennial contender for Defensive Player of the Year and has 52.5 sacks over four seasons. The extension is expected to make Parsons the highest paid defender in the league but it has dragged out.
“It’s going to cost them more,” Parsons said of the negotiations.
Some saw the comments from Parsons as a potential negotiation tactic.
“Message sent to Jerry, you need to sign Micah to his contract extension,” one fan said.
Another added: “Leave now. Trade him for as much as you can. Homie says he doesn’t need to be the highest paid and now says it’s just costing them more.”
The Cowboys are trying to turn things around after a 7-10 campaign. The team parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy and hired Brian Schottenheimer this offseason.
Parsons has built a strong relationship with Schottenheimer and wants to show up for his new coach. He participated in parts of minicamp but he made it clear he wants things buttoned up with his contract before training camp.
“I’m pretty hopeful,” Parsons said. “I’m still hanging tight, I understand it’s up to [Jerry Jones] and he gives the green light on everything, so hopefully something’s done by next month.”
Recent history suggests the extension might take longer than Parsons would like. Last year, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb skipped all of training camp while holding out for a new deal. Quarterback Dak Prescott didn’t hold out, but his contract wasn’t finalized until just before the season. Parsons put the onus on Jones to get the deal done.
“He gives the green light, he’s the owner, he’s pretty much what it takes to get anything done anywhere around here, so it’s up to him,” Parsons said. “But like I said I’m going to still keep playing football. I’m going to keep showing up and preparing like any other year.”
The Cowboys will arrive for training camp in Oxnard, California on July 20.