sports and game - In a dramatic development that could reshape the NFL's defensive landscape, the Dallas Cowboys appear to be softening their previously firm stance against trading star linebacker Micah Parsons. Multip...
le sources confirm that several teams have approached the Cowboys about potential trade scenarios, and for the first time, Dallas is willing to listen.
The situation has reached a critical juncture with the Cowboys' season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles looming next Thursday. Parsons, 26, who has established himself as one of the NFL's premier defensive players, initially requested a trade on August 1st, prompting Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to publicly reject any trade possibility.
At the heart of the dispute lies a complex contract situation. According to league sources, the Cowboys believe they had reached an agreement with Parsons on a five-year extension averaging $40.5 million per season - a deal that would have made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history in terms of guaranteed money. However, this apparent agreement never materialized into a formal contract.
Parsons' agent, David Mulugheta, has not submitted any new proposals, and the Cowboys have likewise remained silent on the contract front. The linebacker's current situation is complicated by a reported back injury that has kept him out of training camp, though the team has medically cleared him to practice.
The financial implications extend beyond the immediate contract dispute. A grievance has been filed regarding Parsons' 2025 salary classification. His representatives argue he should be paid $24.007 million as a linebacker, while the NFL has classified him as a defensive end at $21.324 million for his fifth-year option.
Multiple scenarios remain possible: Parsons could play under his current contract, negotiations could resume for a long-term deal, he could continue his holdout citing injury, or a trade could materialize. Sources indicate the trade possibility has gained more traction recently than at any previous point.
The situation has reached a critical juncture with the Cowboys' season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles looming next Thursday. Parsons, 26, who has established himself as one of the NFL's premier defensive players, initially requested a trade on August 1st, prompting Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to publicly reject any trade possibility.
At the heart of the dispute lies a complex contract situation. According to league sources, the Cowboys believe they had reached an agreement with Parsons on a five-year extension averaging $40.5 million per season - a deal that would have made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history in terms of guaranteed money. However, this apparent agreement never materialized into a formal contract.
Parsons' agent, David Mulugheta, has not submitted any new proposals, and the Cowboys have likewise remained silent on the contract front. The linebacker's current situation is complicated by a reported back injury that has kept him out of training camp, though the team has medically cleared him to practice.
The financial implications extend beyond the immediate contract dispute. A grievance has been filed regarding Parsons' 2025 salary classification. His representatives argue he should be paid $24.007 million as a linebacker, while the NFL has classified him as a defensive end at $21.324 million for his fifth-year option.
Multiple scenarios remain possible: Parsons could play under his current contract, negotiations could resume for a long-term deal, he could continue his holdout citing injury, or a trade could materialize. Sources indicate the trade possibility has gained more traction recently than at any previous point.