Micah Parsons Requests Trade from Cowboys Amid Contract Dispute
Micah Parsons has taken a decisive step in his ongoing contract dispute with the Dallas Cowboys, publicly demanding a trade. The star pass rusher made his request known via a post on his X account Friday afternoon, addressing Cowboys executive vice president and CEO Stephen Jones directly.
"I no longer want to be held to close door negotiations without my agent present," Parsons stated, expressing frustration over the handling of his contract talks. He added, "I no longer want shots taken at me for getting injured while laying it on the line for the organization, our fans, and my teammates."
The post included three screenshots of a note typed on his iPhone, detailing his perspective on the stalled negotiations. Parsons indicated that he was eager to sign a contract extension as soon as he became eligible after the 2023-24 season, but the team showed little interest in engaging in discussions.
Despite this setback, Parsons chose not to voice complaints and instead focused on preparing for the upcoming season. "After the season, I told my agent once again to let the team know we were open to negotiate when they met at the combine," he wrote. His agent advised him to wait for other deals to finalize, but Parsons was determined to secure a long-term future with the Cowboys.
However, he reported that his agent encountered "radio silence" from the team. In March, Parsons had a conversation with owner Jerry Jones about leadership, but the discussion quickly shifted to his contract situation. "Yes, I engaged in a back and forth regarding what I wanted for my contract," he noted, clarifying that he did not perceive it as a formal negotiation.
Parsons claimed that when his agent followed up, he was informed that a deal was "pretty much already done." According to league rules, negotiations must occur between teams and players' agents unless a player is acting as their own representative.
This announcement came shortly after an article from a prominent sports platform suggested that Parsons was contemplating drastic measures, including a trade request or severing ties with the team altogether.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Parsons has established himself as one of the premier players in the NFL since being drafted in 2020. He anticipates a significant payday, whether it comes from the Cowboys or another franchise if he enters free agency.
Last month, T.J. Watt of Pittsburgh signed a lucrative three-year, $123 million contract, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Earlier this year, Myles Garrett of the Browns secured a four-year, $160 million deal, briefly holding the title of highest-paid defensive player until Watt's contract was finalized.
During a training camp session last month, when asked if he believed the organization wanted to finalize a deal, Parsons responded candidly: "Honestly, it really don't matter. I have been pretty consistent. If they don't want me here, they don't want me here. I'll go about my business." He acknowledged the nature of professional sports and emphasized his commitment to performing at a high level as long as he remains under contract.
