At this point, it seems inevitable that the Dallas Cowboys will have to find a trade partner for former Penn State star linebacker Micah Parsons. The divide between the Cowboys and Parsons has reached an all-time high and there doesn't seem to be any more room to fix the relationship.
ESPN's Adam Schefter joined ESPN's "Unsportsmanlike Radio," and gave insight on just how far the divide between the two has become.
"Today I feel comfortable saying I don't think he'll finish his career in Dallas. Today, I feel comfortable saying that. Now, I reserve the right to change my mind," Schefter said. "If all of a sudden, the Cowboys step up negotiations - but the way things have gone, this offseason, the way people are talking, the way things sound. Yeah, I would think that there is a real possibility that, if he plays this season, that this potentially could be the last year for Micah in Dallas."
Could Parsons' Time in Dallas Really Be Over?
Parsons has been the anchor of the Cowboys' defense since he came into the NFL in 2021. He's a four-time Pro-Bowler, and two-time All Pro that's put up double-digit sacks, and at least 20 quarterback hits in every season.
However, it looks like his time in Dallas could be coming to an end with the animosity that's grown between Parsons and the Cowboys' organization.
"Could a deal happen? Yes. There's 0 indication that it's going to happen," Schefter said. "It sounds like, at some point in time, whether that's now, after the season, after 2 seasons, like the two sides are headed toward a divorce."
Parsons is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and wants to be paid as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. However, Schefter revealed there hasn't been any communication between Parsons and the Cowboys on a new deal in multiple months.
.@AdamSchefter is breaking down everything happening between the Dallas Cowboys and Micah Parsons. He says he’s comfortable stating that Micah will NOT finish his career in Dallas — and if he does play this season there, it could be his last.
— ESPN Radio (@ESPNRadio) August 19, 2025
🔊📺: @UnSportsESPN with @EvCoRadio… https://t.co/zXRQIGNrHh pic.twitter.com/Orqqm1dHfh
"This is very simple. To get a deal done, both sides have to talk and negotiate. There have been no negotiations since late March, early April, none, zero. No contract talks," Schefter said. "So you can't get a deal done if you're not talking, right? So unless all of a sudden there's a change of beliefs and stances on both sides, then there's nothing to talk about."
ESPN's insider continued by eluding to the emotional side of the contract talks and believes both sides got their feelings hurt throughout the whole process.
As the NFL preseason comes to an end this week, the Cowboys open their 2025 regular season on September 4, less than two weeks away, and Dallas may not have its best defender on the field.