Pro Football Rumors

The latest update in the Micah Parsons saga further illustrates the tensions between his camp and the Cowboys. With no active extension talks ongoing, an escalation could soon take place.

Parsons is now “considering drastic measures” as it pertains to his future, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. That could include a trade request or a decision to cut ties with the Cowboys altogether. The latter step would be rather difficult since the four-time Pro Bowler is under contract with Dallas for 2025, but a public request to be dealt would of course fall in line with standard practice for a number of players dissatisfied with their situation.

Since a face-to-face summit with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones took place in the spring – during which the framework of an agreement was worked out – things have spiraled in this case. The top of the edge rush market has swelled multiple times in 2025, as expected. T.J. Watt now leads the way as a result of his $41MM-per-year Steelers pact, but Parsons has long been expected to surpass that figure based on his age.

The 26-year-old originally targeted the start of free agency as the timeline for a new deal before shifting that to the beginning of training camp. With both artificial deadlines having come and gone, Parsons has grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress at the negotiating table. The price of a second Dallas contract – presuming one eventually gets signed – will no doubt be higher than it would have been had the parties consummated a deal before the Watt agreement. Public comments made recently on both sides have heightened speculation this situation may not result in the long-term pact many have long expected would be the case.

Prior to Russini’s report, Clarence Hill Jr. of All City DLLS confirmed on Friday morning that the narrative of tension between Parsons and the Cowboys has a strong foundation. He added that, in addition to issues of term length and compensation, “feelings” are among the issues yet to be resolved in this saga. An asking price beyond what was already (informally) agreed to this spring would be an understandable cause for consternation on the part of the Cowboys. Likewise, seeing his extension talks drag out in a similar fashion to those of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb last year has unsurprisingly irked Parsons and his representation given their desire to work out a deal as early as 2024.

Having earned a spot on the first or second All-Pro team during each of his four seasons to date, Parsons has a strong case to move the EDGE market to a new financial position. The Penn State product has amassed 52.5 sacks to date and will be counted on to lead the way in the pass rush department for Dallas in 2025 and (theoretically, at least) beyond. No agreement being struck in this case could lead to a free agent departure next spring or, more likely, a decision from the Cowboys to apply the franchise tag.

Agent David Mulugheta has been in contact with Adam Prasifka, who regularly has a strong role in player contract talks. Neither Jerry nor COO Stephen Jones has spoken with Mulugheta to date, however, and it would come as a surprise if any positive movement were to come about until and unless that changes. For now, attention will turn to Parsons and his willingness to take things a step further in the absence of traction on the negotiating front.