In 2024, Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons waited patiently as the team drafted receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. Parsons is up for a new deal in 2025.
Some think the Cowboys should consider trading him instead of paying him. (Rodney Harrison recently made this case PFT live.) In recent comments to NFL.com, Cowboys executive Stephen Jones tiptoed around the possibility of a Parsons trade.
“Obviously, we’re all in Dak and CeeDee,” Jones told the league’s internal media, “but then you’re still shaping things, including Micah. But Micah’s a great player. You’re not getting it right.” in this league letting people like Micah usually leave the house.”
Throwing in the word “usually” is enough to make people wonder if the Cowboys can do anything out of the ordinary.
“We love Micah,” Jones said. “I can’t imagine a scenario where he doesn’t have a star on his helmet.”
Jones’ comments came days after Parsons gave the team plenty of leverage during an interview with ESPN.
“At the end of the day whatever it takes to be a cowboy until I retirethat’s what I want,” Parsons said.
He later said this: “I’d rather be in the best situation, you know? At that point, I don’t think there’s a big difference between $30 million and $40 million in my eyes, you know? And that’s just me saying that.”
But he is also the one who will sign the contract. So his words are more important than anyone else’s.
The Cowboys certainly don’t want to trade Micah. But if he doesn’t want to be traded even more than they don’t want to trade him, benefit to the Cowboys.
The Cowboys are trying to get players to take less to stay in Dallas. They throw an arm around their shoulders and talk about how the star on the helmet unlocks millions of off-the-field earning potential, now and in the future. Look at the broadcasting industry. Cast: Tony Romo, Troy Aikman, Jason Witten, Jason Garrett. All former cowboys. All of them made it to the top of the media.
Parsons has made it clear he wants to stay. Which means if he pushes too hard, he might not get what he wants. Maybe they will replace him.
Remember, most non-quarterbacks only have one major renegotiation in their career. Teams do them all the time. With the Cowboys constantly squeezed in contract negotiations dating back to Ezekiel Elliott, Parsons gave them a chance to push back.
It’s simple.
“If you want that much, our only option is to trade you.
“Don’t trade me in! I’ll take what you’ve offered!”