The Dallas Cowboys have come under fire recently for how they’ve handled Micah Parsons’ potential contract extension. Team owner Jerry Jones, known for making handshake deals with former players, reportedly tried the same approach with Parsons — and the star pass rusher didn’t appreciate it.
“The fact that Jerry Jones and the Cowboys believe they can negotiate a 9-figure extension with Micah Parsons without involving his agent says everything about the current state of the franchise. This entire situation is laughable from the Dallas side. It could’ve — and should’ve — been avoided. But instead, the Cowboys operated with pure arrogance, foolishness and stubbornness,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz posted.
Jones' attempt to sidestep Parsons’ agent created tension between the two sides, ultimately leading Parsons to request a trade.
“Still I stayed quiet but again after repeated shots at myself and all the narratives I have made a tough decision I no longer want to play for the Dallas Cowboys. My trade request has been submitted to Stephen Jones personally,” Parsons posted.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes the situation has become deeply personal.
“This sounds different to me. This sounds a little bit more personal from both sides. It sounds like Dallas is upset with the fact it felt like it was getting closer to a deal and that deal went sideways. And I think Micah Parsons feels like this deal should have been done,” Schefter said.
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If the Cowboys were to grant Parsons’ trade request, CBS Sports’ John Breech has floated a potential landing spot — the New England Patriots.
“New head coach Mike Vrabel, a former linebacker himself, would love nothing more than to build the identity of his Patriots through the defensive side of the ball like the early years of the Bill Belichick–Tom Brady dynasty teams that he played for in the early 2000s. ... Adding Parsons to play alongside Milton Williams, Harold Landry III and Christian Barmore could give the Patriots one of scariest defensive fronts in the entire league,” Breech wrote.
A move like that would be massive for a Patriots franchise looking to return to its winning ways. Vrabel, a defensive-minded coach who takes pride in toughness, could see Parsons as the centerpiece of a new era. And with rookie quarterback Drake Maye still developing, an elite defense could give New England the flexibility it needs on offense.