Why Micah Parsons’ Trade Request Is a Non-Story

Dallas Cowboys Defensive End Micah Parsons requested a trade from the team on Friday. He posted a statement to his X account that outlined his thought process behind such a drastic move. This trade request stemmed from a lack of progress regarding a contract extension between the two sides.

This declaration by Parsons means nothing. Like it or not, the Dallas Cowboys have all the power. Not the other way around. This will be a game of proverbial chicken between the two sides, and the franchise worth billions will win out. Parsons will smile in a few weeks when he is the highest-paid non-QB in league history.

Micah Parsons’ Offseason Began With a Glaring Mistake

Once Parsons showed up to training camp, he lost any leverage he had. Recent reporting also said the star player will not leave training camp after requesting a trade. By declining to hold out and remaining in camp, he has no recourse. The Dallas Cowboys also have no interest in trading Parsons. Even though the star player feels wronged by the franchise, he is running out of options.

Possible Options

Even though I believe Parsons has butchered this situation over the last few weeks, he does have a few options. One can work out. The other is a terrible idea. The star pass rusher can decide not to step onto the field until he either gets a new deal or is traded. He would be taking a page out of the Chris Jones playbook when he sat out Week 1 of the 2023 season. The Kansas City Chiefs lost the game and paid the star defender soon after. There is no guarantee this will work out this time around. It all hinges upon how dug in the two sides are.

The second path for Parsons would be to punt on the 2025 regular season. He would decide not to play for Dallas, and if the team decides not to deal him, the season would come and go with the All-Pro not taking the field. Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Le’Veon Bell did this in 2018. He refused to play on a second consecutive franchise tag and missed the entire season. That would be a bad idea for Parsons. Missing a full NFL season would not be smart.

Final Thoughts

Even though Owner/General Manager Jerry Jones should not be celebrated for how he handled the Parsons situation, he and the franchise hold the upper hand. This is nothing more than a negotiation ploy, and the star defender will suit up for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025. Hopefully, he will have a new contract. If not, he will have to hope he remains healthy in 2025, looking to cash in next year.