Nightmare Scenario For Steelers Developing After Jerry Jones Refuses To Open Up His Checkbook

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an extremely eventful 2025 offseason. The organization has been aggressive in acquiring new talent and upgrading several positions throughout the roster, which including trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Pittsburgh brought in DK Metcalf to be the team's top wide receiver, which effectively ended Pickens' time in Pittsburgh. Dallas was in the headlines for acquiring Pickens, but the franchise have also been heavily criticized for the way the it has handled the impending contract extension of star defender Micah Parsons.

Parsons was the Cowboys first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, and has been one of the best defenders in the league since then when he is healthy. He wants a new contract extension, where he would likely be searching to be the highest-paid defender in the NFL, which would lead to him receiving the most lucrative contract extension for a non-quarterback in NFL history.

Contract negotiations have not gone well between Dallas and Parsons, and he formally requested his trade from the Cowboys. There is still a chance he stays in Dallas, but things do not look good. Potential trades have been brought to light, with one of which being to the Cleveland Browns from writer Eric Edholm, who is a lead-writer for the NFL.

"They have enough ammunition to make a major offer if they so choose." Edholm said of the Browns. "It also doesn’t hurt the Browns’ chances that they’re in the AFC and don’t play against the Cowboys often."

The Browns traded back from the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which allowed them to pick up an additional first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This provides them with the proper compensation to make a blockbuster trade, such as acquiring Parsons. This would be bad news for Pittsburgh as it would have to take on the duo of Parsons and Myles Garrett twice a season.

The entire situation between Parsons and the Cowboys has been criticized by the NFL world. The organization, specifically Jerry Jones, has treated the contract dispute with malpractice. There were instances where Jones tried to go around Parsons' agent, David Mulugheta, and negotiate directly with Parsons. This is extremely disrespectful, especially considering that Mulugheta is one of the most powerful figures in the sports world.

Plenty of players are represented by Mulugheta, and Jones trying to avoid him will only hurt the Cowboys in the future. This could deter future free agents from wanting to sign there, and it could also make prospects worry about being drafted by the Cowboys. Jones' tactics throughout this period of negotiations have been looked down upon strongly by the NFLPA and owners throughout the league, and it provides more evidence for everyone wondering if he should still be running the organization.

Due to Jones' unwillingness to open his checkbook and pay Parsons, and his horrendous tactics throughout the negotiation process, could end up hurting the Steelers. This is especially true if Parsons lands in Cleveland, or anywhere else in the AFC North. If he is traded it probably won't be within the NFC, so it is going to effect the Steelers in some regard.

Steelers Ex-Wide Receiver Could Be Next To Fall Victim To Jerry Jones' Questionable Tactics

Pickens is another player that is represented by Mulugheta, and he is entering a contract year in 2025. He is playing out the final year of his rookie contract without an extension, and if he has a good season he could be due big money during the 2026 offseason. 

The Cowboys will probably be interested in re-signing the wide out if he performs well in 2025, and Jones may look to avoid Mulugheta again in negotiations. Jones' actions are going to need to be addressed by the league and the NFLPA, but it is unlikely any serious repercussions will come.

Where do you think Parsons will play during the 2025 season?