The Dallas Cowboys may have reversed course on All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons. Less than a week after team owner Jerry Jones said he would not trade Parsons, the team is apparently willing to listen to offers for the four-time Pro Bowler, according to ESPN.
Parsons, 26, is at odds with the franchise over his contract situation. He is entering the final season of his rookie contract and is seeking a long-term extension with the franchise. While Parsons and Jones discussed a contract early in March, things fell apart when Jones was told by Parsons to speak with his agent.
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Jones and Parsons reportedly discussed a five-year extension that averaged a $40.5 million salary per season for Parsons, per ESPN. Parsons’ agent was not present for that meeting, however, and Parsons later stated he did not view that discussion with Jones as a formal negotiation. The Cowboys have not made any new contract offers to Parsons since then.
The situation continued to escalate as the offseason dragged on, eventually resulting in Parsons requesting a trade from the Cowboys in early August. Later in the month, Jones went on a media tour, ripping Parsons’ agent on multiple shows.
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Parsons did report to team training camp over the summer, but has not taken part in preseason games or practices as he waits for a new deal.
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While no trade is imminent, per ESPN, the Cowboys would like a resolution on Parsons’ situation ahead of the team’s Week 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The two NFC East rivals will open the 2025 NFL season on Thursday, Sept. 4. Dallas is set to hold its first full practice in preparation for the Eagles on Friday.
Multiple teams are said to be interested and a deal could come together quickly if one of those teams makes an aggressive offer for Parsons, per ESPN. Any team that acquires Parsons would presumably have to sign him to a long-term extension. It’s unclear whether Parsons’ agent David Mulugheta has permission to speak to teams regarding an extension.
If Parsons does not get traded, his options are limited. He can end his hold-in and play out the final year of his deal, re-open contract talks and ink a long-term deal with the Cowboys or continue to sit out with a back injury.
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There are pros and cons to all three options. If Parsons plays out his contract, he very likely won’t hit free agency at the end of the season. Jones has already implied he’ll use the franchise tag on Parsons twice, putting Parsons in the exact same spot next offseason.
If Parsons decides to re-open contract negotiations, the issue of Mulugheta’s involvement could continue to be a pain point for Jones.
In a scenario where Parsons continues to sit out with an injury, he could be punished or fined by the team. The Cowboys had Parsons undergo an MRI on his back last Friday and medically cleared the All-Pro to return to practice. Parsons is reportedly seeking a second opinion on the injury.
