In 2024, Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons found himself waiting patiently as the team focused on addressing the contracts of receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. Now, as 2025 approaches, it’s Parsons’ turn for a new deal.
Some believe the Cowboys should weigh the option of trading Parsons rather than committing to a massive payday. Rodney Harrison recently floated this idea during an appearance on PFT Live. Cowboys executive Stephen Jones, in a recent interview with NFL.com, seemed to tread lightly around the topic of a potential Parsons trade.
“Obviously, we’re totally all in on Dak and CeeDee,” Jones said to the league’s official media outlet. “But after that, you still shape things, including Micah. But Micah’s a great player.”
Jones’ comments came shortly after Parsons’ interview with ESPN, where the star linebacker may have inadvertently handed the team some leverage.
“At the end of the day, whatever it takes for me just to continue to be a Cowboy until I retire, that’s what I want,” Parsons said.
Later in the same interview, he added: “I would rather just be in the best situation, you know? At that point, I don’t think there’s a big difference between $30 million and $40 million in my eyes, you know? And that’s just me talking.”
These remarks, however, could play a significant role in negotiations. Despite his humility about financial differences, Parsons is ultimately the one who will sign the dotted line, making his statements highly consequential.
The Cowboys likely have no desire to trade Parsons. But if he’s adamant about staying in Dallas, their leverage in negotiations increases. The organization has long leaned on a strategy of convincing players to accept less money in exchange for the prestige and perks of wearing the star on their helmets. They’ve emphasized the off-field earning potential tied to being a Cowboy—with examples like Tony Romo, Troy Aikman, Jason Witten, and Jason Garrett landing high-profile media roles after their playing careers.
Parsons’ clear desire to remain a Cowboy might weaken his negotiating position. If he demands too much, the team could counter with an ultimatum: “If that’s what you’re asking for, our only choice is to trade you.”
Faced with that possibility, Parsons might reconsider. “Don’t trade me! I’ll take what you’ve offered!” could become the outcome Dallas is banking on.
Historically, teams rarely let elite players like Parsons go. But adding a qualifier like “usually”—as Stephen Jones did—keeps fans and analysts guessing about whether Dallas might take an unconventional route.
“We love Micah,” Jones said. “I can’t imagine there’s a scenario where he’s not wearing a star on his helmet.”
Yet, even such assurances leave just enough room for speculation. In the unpredictable world of the NFL, nothing is ever entirely off the table.
