Cowboys to Trade Micah Parsons? Contract Standoff Heats Up Ahead of Training Camp

By Jason Bolton June 19, 2025 09:38

As the Dallas Cowboys approach their 2025 training camp, the spotlight intensifies on star linebacker Micah Parsons amid a growing contract standoff that has ignited trade rumors. Despite the team exercising Parsons’ fifth-year option worth $24 million for the upcoming season, the two sides remain far apart on a long-term extension, raising questions about whether the Cowboys might consider moving one of the NFL’s most dynamic defenders.

Parsons, who turned 26 last month, has been a generational talent since entering the league in 2021. He is the only player in NFL history to record at least 12 sacks in each of his first four seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors every year and finishing near the top in Defensive Player of the Year voting multiple times. His impact on the Cowboys’ defense is undeniable, with 13 sacks, 84 tackles, and multiple forced fumbles in his rookie season alone.

While the fifth-year option secures Parsons through 2025, it pays him significantly less than his market value. The highest-paid defensive player in the NFL, Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, earns $40 million annually, and Parsons’ camp believes he deserves a contract that surpasses that benchmark. Parsons himself has been vocal about the urgency of securing a new deal, calling it “extremely important” to get it done before training camp.

Despite attending the Cowboys’ mandatory minicamp, Parsons made it clear that his participation in training camp is contingent on progress in contract talks, signaling he may withhold playing time if an agreement is not reached. His meeting with team owner Jerry Jones lasted about 30 minutes but did not yield any new developments.

From the Cowboys’ perspective, General Manager Stephen Jones has expressed optimism about ongoing discussions but declined to provide specifics. “We’ve had good visits with him and feel good about where we’re headed,” Jones said, emphasizing a “great working relationship” but acknowledging the complexity of negotiations.

The tension has sparked speculation that the Cowboys might consider trading Parsons if a deal cannot be reached. While no official trade talks have been reported, the possibility looms given Parsons’ immense value and the team’s salary cap considerations. Moving Parsons could free up significant cap space but would leave a massive hole in the defense.

Analysts note that Parsons’ contract could easily top $40 million per year, potentially making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. Given recent extensions for players like Garrett and Maxx Crosby, the market for elite pass rushers continues to escalate.

Parsons’ willingness to attend minicamp contrasts with other stars like Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt, who have skipped offseason activities amid contract disputes. This suggests Parsons remains committed to the Cowboys but is leveraging his presence to expedite negotiations.

In summary, Micah Parsons’ contract standoff with the Dallas Cowboys is reaching a critical juncture as training camp nears. While the team retains his rights through 2025, the lack of a long-term deal and Parsons’ firm stance raise the stakes. Whether the Cowboys can secure an extension or face the prospect of trading their defensive cornerstone remains one of the NFL’s most closely watched stories this offseason.