Heading for 'divorce'? Why Cowboys should trade Micah Parsons to this contender

"It sounds like at this point it's personal. It sounds like each side is dug in," ESPN's Adam Schefter said Tuesday on his podcast. "Right now, both sides seem to be angry. Now, have others put those feelings aside in the past and figured out a way to work out a deal? Yeah. I don't see that happening here. I see these two sides headed toward a divorce in time." 

With that in mind, Dallas should start seeking potential suitors. One team the Cowboys should consider contacting is the Denver Broncos. 

Denver is one of the few teams that could provide Dallas a potential Parsons replacement at a cheaper price. 

Broncos fourth-year EDGE Nik Bonitto, entering the final year of his rookie contract, broke out in 2024. The former Oklahoma Sooners star had the league's third-most sacks (13.5 in 17 games) last season, earning a second-team All-Pro nod. Parsons, meanwhile, had 12 sacks in 13 games.

Bonitto is reportedly seeking a deal worth nearly $20M annually, while Parsons has been offered a deal worth $40M annually. 

The Broncos likely want to keep an ascending player in Bonitto. At the beginning of training camp in July, head coach Sean Payton indicated they're engaged in contract talks. 

However, it's easy to see why a trade package including Parsons may entice the Broncos. He could be the best EDGE the team's had since Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller (now with the Washington Commanders). 

Since the Cowboys selected Parsons with pick No. 12 in the 2021 NFL Draft, he has made four Pro Bowls and earned two first-team All-Pro nods. 

Adding Parsons to a defense that already features cornerback Patrick Surtain II — 2024 Defensive Player of the Year — could help the Broncos become a legit Super Bowl contender. 

Future cap space would be a problem for Denver. But with second-year quarterback Bo Nix still on his rookie contract, it can afford to take a swing. (Nix is entering the second of a four-year deal with a fifth-year option.) 

Things could change, and Dallas could sign Parsons before the start of the regular season. But if it can't, call the Broncos. A Bonitto-Parsons trade could be a win-win for both teams.