Cowboys Worry: Is Micah Parsons Done in Dallas After Trade Request?

By Jason Bolton August 08, 2025 09:59

The Dallas Cowboys are facing a tense and uncertain offseason after star linebacker Micah Parsons publicly requested a trade, sparking widespread concern about the future of their defensive leader in Dallas. Parsons, a four-time Pro Bowler and the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021, made his trade request official via a lengthy social media post, citing frustration over stalled contract negotiations, private deal talks without his agent present, and unfair narratives surrounding his recent injuries. Despite this, the Cowboys have maintained Parsons on their first unofficial depth chart for the 2025 season and continue to prepare for his involvement on opening day, reflecting a publicly united front amid behind-the-scenes turmoil.

Parsons’s statement was direct and candid: “I no longer want to be here,” he wrote, expressing gratitude for Dallas but voicing dissatisfaction about how contract talks were handled. He lamented the lack of dialogue with his agent and lamented the “repeated shots” taken at him while playing through injury, underscoring a breakdown in trust. The 26-year-old former Penn State standout, drafted 12th overall in 2021, has produced consistently elite numbers, recording 52 sacks, 256 total tackles, 112 quarterback hits, and nine forced fumbles across just 63 games. His impact on the Cowboys’ defense is undeniable, making this standoff significant not only for the player but the franchise’s championship aspirations.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has publicly stated he is not considering trading Parsons, describing the trade request as “part of negotiation” and reaffirming his respect for Parsons both as a player and person. Jones remarked that they reached a verbal understanding in March but negotiations nevertheless stalled, highlighting the complex nature of contract talks. Jones emphasized that although a written contract exists, discussions about renegotiation are ongoing but “nothing unusual.” However, Jones also admitted he could not confirm if Parsons will be ready to play Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, reflecting considerable uncertainty about the immediate future.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer echoed this confidence in Parsons’ eventual role but acknowledged the need to focus on the present. “We’re planning on Micah and putting all the tools around him,” Schottenheimer said. Despite Parsons missing some practices due to back tightness, he has been engaging with coaches and teammates, wearing his No. 11 jersey and actively attending meetings. This suggests the Cowboys hope to reconcile differences and field Parsons for the season opener, even as public tensions simmer.

The clock is ticking: Parsons is under contract for 2025 on his fifth-year rookie option, set to earn $21.3 million fully guaranteed. Without an extension, the Cowboys could franchise tag him for up to two additional years, although at a steep salary. The stalemate has led some NFL insiders, including analyst JJ Watt, to advise teams to “take care of your best players early” to avoid costly holdouts. The Cowboys’ repeated contract drama with stars like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb last year suggests a pattern that may be costing the franchise both money and locker-room stability.

In sum, the Cowboys face a pivotal crossroads. Micah Parsons’ trade request publicly exposes a fracture in what has been an otherwise dominant defensive core. While Jones and Schottenheimer project calm and readiness to move forward with Parsons, the reality is his future in Dallas hangs in the balance. How the Cowboys manage this impasse whether through a new deal, continued standoff, or eventual trade will be a defining storyline for both the franchise and a player widely regarded as one of the NFL’s most dynamic defenders.