The Dallas Cowboys and superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons are at an impasse in contract negotiations. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the two sides have not come any closer to reaching an agreement, and things are likely headed towards a messy divorce. While the Cowboys should have no problem signing the former Penn State product to a record-breaking extension, they have a history of dragging their feet in contract talks. Look no further than Dak Prescott and Ceedee Lamb in years past.
Dallas, entering a pivotal year with a first-time head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, should want to be at full strength when contending with the NFC East and Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Washington Commanders are up-and-comers that appear to have closed the gap with the Cowboys as well, and if Dallas wants any chance at cracking the postseason in 2025, they either need Parsons suited up or trade him now to get a return that will allow them to stay competitive.
Former general manager Mike Tannenbaum recently proposed three hypothetical trades on ESPN's Get Up that would allow the Cowboys to trade him for fair value, while also maintaining their status as a playoff hopeful.
The Trade Idea
Tampa Bay Buccaneers receive: Micah Parsons
Dallas Cowboys receive: Bucky Irving, Vita Vea, first-round pick
Of all three proposed trades, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers supply the Cowboys with two win-now players, while also giving them a first-round draft pick. Nose tackle Vita Vea plays a different position on the defensive line than Parsons, but is still a high-impact player. Entering his age-30 season, Vea had a career high in sacks in 2024, registering seven in his second season as a Pro Bowler. Vea was also a key cog in Tampa Bay's Super Bowl LV victory.
The other prized possession of this trade haul would be running back Bucky Irving. The Cowboys have been searching for a bell-cow back since the decline of Ezekiel Elliot's production began, and Irving would be the kind of star they're looking for in the backfield. A fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, he totaled 1,514 scrimmage yards in his rookie season and showcased his ability as a dual threat. He would be the perfect complement to Dallas' heavy passing attack.
While trading one of the best players at their position as he enters his prime is never good for business, the haul that the Cowboys could get for a player of Parsons' caliber is tantalizing enough. If they intend to compete in the 2025 season, the package from the Buccaneers is enticing, even with the prospect of having to face him once a year.