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Micah Parsons considering ‘drastic measures’ as Cowboys standoff reaches boiling point, per report
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The situation in Dallas regarding star pass rusher Micah Parsons is reportedly reaching a boiling point.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini on Friday, the professional relationship between Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys is quickly deteriorating as the two sides remain “far apart” on a new deal. Parsons is said to be considering “drastic measures” that could include requesting a trade or even “a declaration that he is severing his relationship with the team.”
Parsons spoke directly with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones over multiple days in the spring and the 2 sides left those discussions with very different takeaways, according to the report.
Dallas believed those conversations were negotiations that led to a verbal agreement on a deal. Parsons reportedly believed the talks were nothing more than conversations, and he then turned things over to his agent to handle negotiations. When Parsons’ agent tried to engage Dallas on contract negotiations, Dallas rebuked him and signaled to Parsons that it believed it had already reached an agreement.
According to the report, Dallas is currently refusing to engage with Parsons’ agent in any capacity.
Jones made headlines last month when he appeared to take a swipe at Parsons and franchise quarterback Dak Prescott in the same breath, calling into question the urgency with which Jones feels they need to lock up their star defender long-term.
“Just because we sign him doesn’t mean we’re gonna have him,” Jones said at a press conference. “He was hurt [four] games last year. Seriously.”
Parsons has played in 63 of a possible 68 games since joining the Cowboys. The former Penn State star was taken 12th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and has produced 52.5 sacks in his 4 seasons since joining the franchise.
Parsons is a 4-time Pro Bowler, a 2-time All-Pro selection, and the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year. He finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2023 after posting a career-best 14 sacks with 18 tackles for loss.
He is entering the final year of his rookie deal and some estimates suggest his next contract could earn him upwards of $40 million annually. According to The Athletic, Parsons is attending Cowboys practices as the team readies for the 2025-26 season, but he is not participating in on-field work.
“I want to be here. At the end of the day, they sign the checks. Let’s see if they want me to be here,” Parsons said on July 22. “I’ve been pretty consistent. If they don’t want me here, I’ll go about my business. I understand the nature of the business. As long as I’m here and under contract, I’m going to do what I have to do to perform at the highest level. But if this is the end, this is the end.”
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.