Micah Parsons stands out as a premier defensive talent in the National Football League, yet he has communicated a desire to depart from the Dallas Cowboys. As of now, no franchise has reportedly signaled interest in facilitating his wish.
According to Todd Archer of ESPN, the Cowboys have not been contacted by any teams regarding a potential trade involving the All-Pro pass-rusher. Discussions about a contract have yet to commence between Parsons and the Cowboys, a fact highlighted by multiple news outlets, including Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports. Parsons’ trade demand last week sent ripples through the Cowboys’ training camp, following months of fruitless talks about a contract extension.
Team owner Jerry Jones has publicly stated he has no intention of honoring Parsons’ request, and other teams are apparently respecting his declaration. Nevertheless, Jones has also acknowledged uncertainty about Parsons’ presence on the field for the team in Week 1.
Parsons is currently in the fifth-year option of his initial rookie contract, set to earn him $24 million. He is slated to enter free agency after the current season, but the Cowboys retain the option of employing the franchise tag to postpone his departure.
Should he genuinely become available, Parsons would command an exceedingly high acquisition cost. At 26 years of age, he is demonstrating a trajectory worthy of the Hall of Fame, and has played a vital part in the Cowboys’ defensive strategy since his drafting as the 12th overall pick in 2021.
Micah Parsons missed his first practice of training camp on Thursday. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
While it is not uncommon for players to hold out while making trade demands or seeking contract renegotiations, Parsons has, to this point, attended every Cowboys practice session in Oxnard, California. Failure to do so would subject him to daily fines reaching up to $50,000.
However, he has also refrained from rigorous activities, citing a back ailment, which Jones has characterized as a negotiation tactic, similar to the trade request. According to Archer, Parsons was absent from his initial training camp practice on Thursday due to stiffness in his back.
Time will tell whether Parsons’ back problems subside upon securing a new contract or a trade, but the situation is currently casting a shadow over the Cowboys’ training camp. Both parties have displayed a willingness to publicly air their differences, with limited indications of behind-the-scenes efforts aimed at reaching a resolution.
