Chargers' Derwin James sends not-so-subtle message to Cowboys' Micah Parsons

Derwin James flirts with the idea of Micah Parsons joining the Chargers

James didn't make an outright plea for Parsons to join the Chargers, nor was he trying to put any pressure on his front office to get a deal done. However, it's not hard to read between the lines of what James actually said.

James highlighted the close relationship he has with Parsons and specifically mentioned agent David Mulugheta, who represents both James and Parsons. That connective thread is important, and may give James unique insight on the entire situation in Dallas.

The Cowboys have really fumbled the negotiations with Parsons, opting to negotiate directly with Parsons himself instead of his agency. This has caused a rift between the player and the organization that seems irreparable after Parsons' comments.

James is somewhat close to the situation via his agent and may know more behind the scenes than any Chargers fan knows. Who knows, perhaps James is shouting his agent out not just for how he has handled this situation, but for the strings he might be pulling behind closed doors.

Either way, the idea of James and Parsons on the same defense is nightmare fuel for opposing quarterbacks. Throw in Khalil Mack, who would be rushing the passer opposite of Parsons, and the Chargers' top-tier defense would instantly become the scariest in the league.

That possibility has to entice the Chargers and could force what has been a conservative front office to at least consider a bolder swing. After all, it's not every day you have an opportunity to trade for one of the premier players in the sport.