Cowboys’ Schottenheimer Confident Micah Parsons Will Play Season Opener
Cowboys’ Schottenheimer Confident Micah Parsons Will Play Season Opener
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he is "confident" that star edge rusher Micah Parsons will play in the club’s Sept. 4 regular-season opener against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles, despite the player’s unresolved contract dispute. Parsons, 26, formally requested a trade on Aug. 1 after negotiations over a long-term extension stalled. The Cowboys have indicated they have no intention of moving the four-time Pro Bowler, who is entering the final season of his rookie deal. Owner Jerry Jones earlier this month said he was "absolutely not" sure Parsons would be available for Week 1, but Schottenheimer’s remarks suggest the team expects the stand-off to ease before kickoff. Parsons has amassed 52.5 sacks in four NFL seasons, making his availability pivotal for a defense facing the league’s reigning champions.
SSports Illustrated
1 month
Cowboys Trade Star Pass-Rusher Micah Parsons to Packers for Clark, Two First-Round Picks
Cowboys Trade Star Pass-Rusher Micah Parsons to Packers for Clark, Two First-Round Picks
The Dallas Cowboys have traded two-time All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, acquiring Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark along with the Packers’ first-round selections in 2026 and 2027. The Packers simultaneously signed the 26-year-old Parsons to a four-year, $188 million extension containing $136 million guaranteed, the richest deal ever for a non-quarterback. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said the club chose picks and interior line help over a record-setting salary for Parsons, whom he described as “so pleasant” during his four seasons in Dallas. Jones added that the haul gives Dallas four first-round picks across the next two drafts and hinted those assets could be packaged for additional veteran talent before the season begins. Jones framed the move as a response to persistent run-defence problems, noting Clark’s arrival addresses “an area the Cowboys had concerns in.” He also revealed that negotiations with Parsons had stalled after what he believed was a five-year proposal averaging roughly $40.5 million annually earlier in the off-season. Reaction around the league was swift. Former Cowboys star Michael Irvin had publicly guaranteed Parsons would remain in Dallas minutes before the trade was announced, while analysts such as Dan Orlovsky called the deal “one of the worst” in franchise history. Others, including ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, praised Dallas for prioritising locker-room culture and future flexibility. Dallas and Green Bay are scheduled to meet in Week 4, ensuring an early look at the consequences of the most audacious trade of the NFL off-season.
TThe New York Times
22 days
Cowboys Send Micah Parsons to Packers, Target Run-Defense Fix
Cowboys Send Micah Parsons to Packers, Target Run-Defense Fix
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones confirmed that the team has traded star defender Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. The deal brings Dallas several draft picks and an unnamed Pro Bowl player who, according to Jones, plays in a position where the Cowboys have long needed reinforcement. Jones said the primary objective of the transaction is to strengthen the club’s run defense, an area he acknowledged has been a persistent weakness “for several years.” He added that the newly acquired draft selections could be packaged in additional trades if the Cowboys identify further roster needs ahead of the season.
AAri Meirov
23 days
Micah Parsons Entering Fifth Rookie Year Without New Deal as Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Reveals Cancer Battle and Faces Criticism
Micah Parsons Entering Fifth Rookie Year Without New Deal as Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Reveals Cancer Battle and Faces Criticism
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons is entering the fifth year of his rookie contract without a new deal, with no contract talks having taken place between Parsons and the Cowboys since his public statement. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the two sides are further from an agreement than they were in early April 2025. Despite the ongoing contract impasse, former NFL player Chris Jones expressed confidence that Parsons will remain with the Cowboys. The situation has drawn public criticism from actor and Cowboys fan Denzel Washington, who criticized team owner Jerry Jones for prioritizing financial interests over winning. Separately, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, aged 82, revealed that he survived a stage 4 skin cancer battle that lasted over a decade and involved four surgeries.
FFox News
1 month
Cowboys Open to Micah Parsons Trade Talks Amid $202.5 Million Rift
Cowboys Open to Micah Parsons Trade Talks Amid $202.5 Million Rift
The Dallas Cowboys have begun fielding inquiries about a potential trade for four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Micah Parsons, marking a sharp departure from owner and general manager Jerry Jones’s longstanding refusal to consider moving the 26-year-old. ESPN reported that multiple clubs have already contacted Dallas and that the team hopes to resolve the stalemate—whether by trade or renewed contract talks—before its regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 4. Parsons formally requested a trade on Aug. 1 after sitting out training camp in a bid for a long-term deal. Although team doctors have cleared him, he has yet to practice, citing persistent back tightness. He is scheduled to earn $21.324 million this season under the fifth-year option, but his representatives have filed a grievance contending he should receive $24.007 million based on linebacker status. Jones believes he reached a handshake agreement with Parsons in March on a five-year extension worth roughly $202.5 million ($40.5 million annually), but no formal offer followed once Parsons referred negotiations to his agent. With contract talks frozen and Week 1 approaching, Dallas’s willingness to entertain offers represents the most significant escalation yet in a dispute that could end with a record-setting extension—or Parsons wearing a different uniform.
EESPN
23 days
Cowboys Coach to Discuss Micah Parsons’ Behavior as Prescott Confident He’ll Play September 4 Opener Amid Trade Interest
Cowboys Coach to Discuss Micah Parsons’ Behavior as Prescott Confident He’ll Play September 4 Opener Amid Trade Interest
Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer plans to meet with linebacker Micah Parsons to address his conduct during a recent preseason game, where Parsons was notably lying on a medical table behind the bench and was the only player not wearing a jersey. Despite this, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott expressed confidence that Parsons will participate in the team's September 4 season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. The ongoing contract negotiations between Parsons and the Cowboys have attracted trade interest from other teams, although the Cowboys appear unwilling to entertain offers. This standoff has drawn criticism, including from former NFL player Darrelle Revis, who reproached Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the NFL Players Association for their handling of the situation. Meanwhile, Prescott remains optimistic about the Cowboys' offensive prospects for the 2025 season.
EESPN
26 days
Micah Parsons Turns 26 With 52.5 Sacks, 3x All-Pro, Butkus Award, and 4x Pro Bowler Honors
Micah Parsons Turns 26 With 52.5 Sacks, 3x All-Pro, Butkus Award, and 4x Pro Bowler Honors
Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys linebacker, celebrated his 26th birthday on May 26, 2025. Over his four NFL seasons, Parsons has accumulated 52.5 career sacks, placing him among elite pass rushers such as Derrick Thomas (58 sacks), Myles Garrett (57.5), JJ Watt (57), and Danielle Hunter (54.5) by the same age. Parsons has earned multiple accolades including NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2021), three All-Pro selections, four Pro Bowl appearances, the Butkus Award (2021), and inclusion in the All-Rookie Team (2021). He has recorded 256 tackles and nine forced fumbles to date. Parsons' on-field performance and rising profile have generated positivity around the Cowboys, with his recent new haircut gaining viral attention on social media. Analysts and ranking platforms such as Pro Football Focus (PFF) continue to evaluate top edge defenders, with Parsons frequently mentioned alongside other top players like Myles Garrett, TJ Watt, and Nick Bosa, who was ranked fourth-best edge defender by PFF heading into the 2025 season.
DDallas Cowboys
4 months
Cowboys Near $144M Extension With 25-Year-Old Micah Parsons, Set to Be NFL's Highest-Paid Defender
Cowboys Near $144M Extension With 25-Year-Old Micah Parsons, Set to Be NFL's Highest-Paid Defender
The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly nearing a four-year, $144 million contract extension with star pass rusher Micah Parsons, 25, a 3x All-Pro and 4x Pro Bowler. The deal would make Parsons the highest-paid defender in NFL history and is expected to reduce his $22.06 million 2025 cap hit. Despite creating $57 million in cap space through contract restructures, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has stated that the team does not plan to aggressively pursue free agents, instead prioritizing the draft to address roster needs. This approach has drawn criticism, especially given the team's disappointing 7-10 record last season. The Cowboys recently signed defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year, $80 million deal with $52 million guaranteed. Parsons' extension could further impact the pass rusher market, following Maxx Crosby's $106.5 million deal with a $35.5 million annual salary, which set a record for non-quarterbacks.
PProFootballTalk
7 months
Micah Parsons Confirms Cowboys Minicamp Attendance, Cites $24 Million Salary and Super Bowl Ambitions
Micah Parsons Confirms Cowboys Minicamp Attendance, Cites $24 Million Salary and Super Bowl Ambitions
Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons has confirmed he will attend the team's mandatory minicamp next week, despite ongoing contract negotiations. Parsons, entering the final year of his rookie contract, stated, 'I will be there! I haven't missed a minicamp in 4 years!' and emphasized, 'Even though the contract is not done, I have teammates and a playbook! I'm ready to win a Super Bowl!' He also noted the situation is 'in the owner's hands.' Head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed his expectation that Parsons would be present, citing positive communication and Parsons' adherence to offseason requests. Parsons recently returned from travel and was seen at the Cowboys' facility at the end of organized team activities (OTAs), though he did not participate in practice. Contract extension talks between Parsons' agent, David Mulugheta, and the Cowboys remain stalled, with no significant progress reported by executive vice president Stephen Jones. Parsons is set to earn $24 million in 2025 under his fifth-year option, and is seeking a new deal that could make him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the NFL. Parsons indicated that his participation in training camp may depend on the status of his contract extension. Cornerback Trevon Diggs continues to rehab from a knee injury in Miami, with coaches reporting 'all signs are positive' but providing no timeline for his return. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones stated there are no imminent roster additions and specifically denied speculation about acquiring Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
PProFootballTalk
4 months
Denzel Washington Criticizes Jerry Jones Over Cowboys Title Drought and Micah Parsons Contract Dispute With No Deadline
Denzel Washington Criticizes Jerry Jones Over Cowboys Title Drought and Micah Parsons Contract Dispute With No Deadline
Actor and Cowboys fan Denzel Washington criticized Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones during an appearance on ESPN's 'First Take,' expressing dissatisfaction with how Jones is managing the team amid ongoing contract negotiations with linebacker Micah Parsons. Washington highlighted the Cowboys' prolonged title drought and suggested Jones is prioritizing financial considerations over team success. The contract dispute between Jones and Parsons remains unresolved, with Jones stating there is no deadline for a new deal as Parsons continues to play under his current contract. Parsons responded to the contract situation with a brief four-word statement. Washington also took aim at prominent sports media personalities during his remarks.
FFox News
1 month
Micah Parsons Expects Record Deal After Minicamp Talks With Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones
Micah Parsons Expects Record Deal After Minicamp Talks With Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones
Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons used the club’s three-day mandatory minicamp in Frisco this week to signal that a record-setting contract extension is imminent. Speaking after the first practice, the two-time All-Pro said he expects to become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. Parsons confirmed that he and owner Jerry Jones have agreed on the broad parameters of the deal and that Jones will contact agent David Mulugheta to finalize terms. “Jerry Jones gives the green light… it’s up to him,” Parsons said, adding that negotiations will not interrupt his preparation for the season. The 25-year-old participated in individual drills on Tuesday and Wednesday and took part in Thursday’s walk-through, but he did not join full-speed team periods. Dallas also set a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams for Aug. 5 in Oxnard, California, ahead of the teams’ preseason opener at SoFi Stadium on Aug. 9.
DDenver Broncos
3 months
Dallas Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones Confirms Ongoing Contract Talks with Micah Parsons Amid Record Offer and Agent Dispute
The Dallas Cowboys are in ongoing contract negotiations with defensive end Micah Parsons. Stephen Jones, the team's Executive Vice President, has expressed the organization's desire to keep Parsons, stating that both sides want to reach an agreement. Despite reports of a handshake deal between Parsons and owner Jerry Jones, no formal contract has been signed. The Cowboys have offered Parsons a record contract since March, but negotiations have been complicated by the absence of Parsons' agent in discussions. Parsons himself has indicated that no deal will be finalized without his agent's involvement, and Jerry Jones reportedly does not know the agent's name. The contract talks are reportedly focused on details beyond the annual average salary, which is often the headline figure. Additionally, the Cowboys have recently acquired wide receiver George Pickens, whom Stephen Jones described as the right answer for the team, and there are suggestions the team should consider extending Pickens' contract as well. The Cowboys' priority this offseason remains securing an extension with Parsons.
PProFootballTalk
4 months