Micah Parsons shows up at Cowboys minicamp: But his contract extension is still MIA

Micah Parsons isn't one to stay quiet-or stay away. The Cowboys' All-Pro rusher was front and center at the first day of Dallas' mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, flashing smiles, chatting with Jerry Jones, and insisting he's "pretty hopeful" about his long-awaited extension. But hope isn't a contract, and right now, that deal still isn't close.

Even after a promising sit-down with Jones back in March-where they apparently agreed on the general structure of a new contract-no actual progress has been made. Parsons says the ball is in Jones' court. Asked whether he might make another move to reopen negotiations, Parsons deflected. "Next question," he said with a grin.

Instead of hashing out millions on Tuesday, Parsons and Jones kept things light, catching up about training, family, and off-season travels. "He told me I look pretty good,"Parsons said. "That got me excited."

Back Tightness, Front Office Tension

While Parsons didn't take any practice reps-he's dealing with some back tightness after a workout with Trevon Diggs-his presence was still felt. He's clearly committed to showing up, if not suiting up.

He also made it clear he'll be at training camp in Oxnard next month. He's already rented a house for his family. But whether he'll participate in drills without a deal? That's up in the air. "We'll see," he said.

The Cowboys have a history of dragging their feet on extensions. CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott both inked major deals last year-one just before camp, the other just before Week 1. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has reported Parsons is expected to top the defensive market, suring Myles Garrett's $40 million per year.

Parsons isn't looking to be T.J. Watt or Trey Hendrickson, who sat out minicamps. "Those guys are vets in their programs. I'm still growing into my second deal," he said. "Everyone's situation is different."

Camp starts July 22. There's still time. But every day without a deal makes it a little harder to ignore the elephant on the practice field.