The Dallas Cowboys have faced significant challenges this NFL season. As of Week 14, the team stands at 5–7 and holds the third position in the NFC East. Despite this underwhelming performance, star linebacker Micah Parsons has a distinct perspective. He firmly believes that head coach Mike McCarthy should return next season, which goes against the prevailing sentiment to fire him due to unmet expectations.

Cowboys' Injuries and Parsons' Support for McCarthy

Injuries and Their Impact

During an interview with ESPN set to air before Monday night's matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, Parsons expressed his thoughts. He said, "I think I would like a fair shot with everyone back—players, coaches—because the injuries kind of struck of what this season could really be. The injuries have been terrible. And, you know, it really sucks. Seeing Zack [Martin], D-Law [DeMarcus Lawrence] not having the year I know he planned to have. He had such a great start. It really sucks." This week, the Cowboys announced that Martin has opted for ankle surgery, sidelining him for the team's remaining five games. Lawrence has been on injured reserve since suffering a foot injury in Week 4. These injuries have had a profound effect on the team's performance.

Parcels' Relationship with McCarthy

Parsons' feelings echo those of quarterback Dak Prescott, who sustained a season-ending hamstring injury in Week 9. Prescott told Yahoo Sports' Jori Epstein that he "wholeheartedly" believes in McCarthy. He said, "I believe in him wholeheartedly. I don't want to necessarily get into the nuts and the screws of it all obviously, but I think he definitely deserves a chance — another contract and a chance to coach this team amongst more influence. 'On his terms' may be a good way to say it." Parsons will be back with the Cowboys next season, playing the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. So, supporting McCarthy seems meaningful in this context.

Financial Commitments and Future Prospects

Dallas has already agreed to pay big money to Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb. Prescott's deal made him the highest-paid player in NFL history, while Lamb's contract ranks second among the league's receivers. Parsons is set to be next in line after establishing himself as one of the NFL's top pass rushers with 47 sacks in four seasons. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and was named first-team All-Pro in his first two seasons. Last year, Parsons was named to second-team All-Pro. However, Parsons added that being the highest-paid defensive player matters less to him than the Cowboys having the resources to build a championship roster. He said, "I'm Jerry's guy. I know it's easier said than done because I'm not at the table, but that's my guy. We talk about it and how much we appreciate each side, but I know numbers talk. But man, at the end of the day whatever it takes for me just to continue to be a Cowboy until I retire, that's what I want."