Dallas Cowboys player proposes extreme resolution to contract dispute with Jerry Jones worth $200 million
Micah Parsons, the star linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, is in the midst of a contract standoff with team owner Jerry Jones. Parsons has requested a trade amid stalled negotiations, signaling a breakdown in talks as early as August 2025[1][3][5].
Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Parsons is seeking to become one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. However, after months of negotiations without his agent present and feeling sidelined by the team, he expressed frustration publicly and requested a trade[1][3].
Despite the trade request, sources indicate that Parsons is unlikely to actually leave the Cowboys. The team has no intention of granting a trade and still aims to eventually reach a contract extension that would make Parsons the highest-paid defender in the league[3][4]. The Cowboys also have the option to franchise tag Parsons for 2026, so there is no immediate pressure to finalize a deal.
The negotiations have been a source of criticism, with sports analyst Chris Broussard suggesting that Jerry Jones—now 82—may be out of touch with today's player-driven NFL culture, contributing to the stalled talks[2]. Broussard cited Jones’ age and the Cowboys’ traditional media approach as factors in the delay.
Parsons has used public statements and trade demands as pressure strategies to force the Cowboys’ hand[1][3][5]. Outside of that, there has been no public indication of official alternatives Parsons might pursue, but the context implies Parsons is using leverage by applying public pressure and demonstrating willingness to walk away, although he might ultimately stay given his current contract and the Cowboys’ control via the franchise tag[3][4].
The contract standoff between Parsons and the Cowboys comes at a time when defensive players like Myles Garrett and TJ Watt have reset the market with their recent contracts[4]. The reported initial discussions over a $200 million contract took place in May[3].
Jerry Jones mentioned that Parsons was hurt for six games last season during a discussion about his potential new contract. However, it was later clarified that Parsons missed only four games during the previous season[4].
As the Cowboys prepare for their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4, Jerry Jones may try to divert attention from the ongoing contract standoff[1]. Regardless, Cowboys fans may need to be concerned if an extension between Parsons and the team is not completed[3].
References
- ESPN
- Fox Sports
- Sports Illustrated
- Pro Football Talk
- CBS Sports
- Despite being in a contract standoff with Jerry Jones, Micah Parsons, the star linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, might be seeking a higher salary in the NFL, like Myles Garrett and TJ Watt recently received.
- Though Micah Parsons has requested a trade, some sources indicate that he might not actually leave the Cowboys, as the team has the option to franchise tag him for the 2026 season.
- Chris Broussard of Fox Sports has criticized Jerry Jones, suggesting that his age and traditional media approach could be contributing factors to the stalled contract negotiations between Parsons and the Cowboys.
