After months of stalled negotiations, Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys’ star edge rusher, has officially requested a trade, signaling a significant shift in his relationship with the team. The player, who has been a key figure in the Cowboys’ defense since joining the team in 2021, has expressed his decision to move on due to unresolved contract issues and frustrations with the team’s handling of his situation.
Parsons, a perennial contender for Defensive Player of the Year, detailed his frustrations in a social media post. He stated, ‘I no longer want to be here,’ citing ongoing issues with the team’s communication and the lack of a formal negotiation process. Despite his efforts to stay, the Cowboys’ management has not engaged with his agent, leading to a breakdown in the dialogue.
The situation has been further complicated by the team’s previous hesitations in extending Parsons, who has been a vital part of the defense. His decision to pursue a trade underscores his desire for a new environment where his contributions can be better recognized and rewarded.
Top defensive players like Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt received their big-money paydays during the offseason, and it appears Parsons would be next in line. Dallas also extended tight end Jake Ferguson and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa in the offseason.
Cowboys fans recently heckled team Jones with ‘Pay Micah’ chants at training camp. Jones took a seemingly random shot at Parsons when camp began, saying that even if they do find the right numbers in the deal, it doesn’t mean they will have him on the field. Jones said that Parsons was hurt six games last season, though he was only out four due to injury.
Jones also brought up quarterback Dak Prescott, the highest-paid at the position in the league after signing an extension before the 2024 season, who played just eight games last year due to injury.
Parsons is going into the final year of his rookie deal. He’s recorded 256 tackles, 63 tackles for a loss and 52.5 sacks in 63 career games. He’s been one of the best edge rushers in the NFL since he entered the league in 2021.
The Cowboys, of course, are eligible to franchise-tag Parsons twice after this season, but he is making it clear he does not want to be in that scenario.