The Dallas Cowboys and star edge defender Micah Parsons are reportedly struggling to come to terms on a new contract. A first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Penn State product immediately became one of the league’s best all-around players and brightest stars. Over the past four seasons, Parson has recorded 52.5 sacks, 256 tackles, 112 quarterback hits, four Pro Bowl selections, and two First-Team All-Pro honors. Ultimately, he’s an elite player at a crucial position and, now entering his age-26 season, should break the bank when he finally agrees to a massive deal.
However, that contract might not come any time soon. According to WFAA’s Ed Werder, Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys are not close to a contract extension, and his price will only rise as time passes. Despite being the most valuable team in the league, the Cowboys have been surprisingly frugal when it comes to extending their own stars. While they ultimately paid up, they dragged their feet with the Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb extension. With limited cap space, could the team trade Parsons if they can’t agree on a long-term extension?
Could Dallas Cowboys Trade Micah Parsons Following Stalled Contract Talks?
Edge rushers are expensive, and the cost to retain an elite one jumped over the past few weeks. With Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, and even Danielle Hunter signing massive deals, the Micah Parsons contract could exceed $40 million per year. This is a staggering amount of money, but it’s tough to process when Prescott and Lamb already received market-setting deals. Can the Cowboys keep all three players and still field a competitive roster?
If Jerry Jones believes the answer to that question is ‘no’, then nobody should be surprised if the Cowboys begin shopping Parsons. While every single team in the league would love to have a player like him on their roster, the following three teams would make the most sense.
Potential Trade Destinations
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots spent big on the defensive side of the ball, but it takes more than free agency to fix one of the least talented rosters in football. Even with the additions of Milton Williams and Harold Landry, this team could use another pass rusher capable of getting after the quarterback. The Patriots have a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract, so they can afford to trade for Micah Parsons and give him whatever contract it takes to make him happy. Parsons and Williams would be an elite pass rushing duo, and guys like Landry and Keion White would only add more depth to a ferocious front four.
Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young came alive down the stretch and gave the Carolina Panthers hope for the future. Now, it’s time for them to fix the defense and give Young a chance to guide this team to the playoffs. While General Manager Dan Morgan fortified the interior of the defensive line, he still needs an edge rusher. Micah Parsons would be a clear upgrade on the departed Brian Burns, and his presence combined with an improved secondary should give the Panthers a strong enough defense to win a weak NFC South.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh is an old-school coach who believes football games are won and lost in the trenches. The team retained Khalil Mack but lost Joey Bosa to the Buffalo Bills following a disappointing 2024. Tuli Tuipulotu isn’t a liability by any means, but Parsons and Mack would give Los Angeles the defensive firepower needed to overtake the Kansas City Chiefs in the division. Armed with $42.3 million in cap space, the Chargers should be able to sign Micah Parsons to a new contract without impacting their ability to build a competitive roster.
