With the Dallas Cowboys embroiled in yet another dramatic contract stalemate with one of their stars, intriguing potential destinations have emerged should pass-rusher Micah Parsons be traded.
Despite his recent trade request, most observers believe that Parsons will ultimately reach an agreement on the long-term contract he is seeking. That would be a similar course to that taken by quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in recent years.
However, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made the waters a bit choppier with comments over the weekend, including wanting to work directly with Parsons on a new deal. Should the sides not be able to reach a long-term agreement, DraftKings is offering odds on all 31 potential NFL destinations for Parsons, who has 52.5 career sacks and is still only 26 years old.
The shortest odds for a trading partner belong to Philadelphia and New England at +1000.
It’s almost inconceivable that Dallas would deal Parsons to a bitter division rival and send the reigning Super Bowl champions an elite pass rusher in his prime. But the Eagles waited for the New York Giants to muck things up with running back Saquon Barkley before luring him away last offseason.
It remains a significant longshot for Philadelphia to pull off a similar coup with Parsons. He is scheduled to earn $24 million this season on his fifth-year option, and Dallas can conceivably lock him up through the 2028 season with franchise tags.
If the relationship really sours further and Jones becomes open to trading Parsons, the Patriots make a lot more sense. Not only is New England in the AFC, but the Patriots are viewed as a team on the rise whose contender status would receive a major boost with the addition of a premier pass rusher.
Following New England in the Parsons market is another AFC team in the Los Angeles Chargers at +1500. Another borderline contender, the Chargers were led last year by linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu’s 8.5 sacks. No one else registered more than 6.0 and the pass rush received no major upgrades via free agency or the draft.
The next shortest odds belong Arizona and San Francisco at +1600, followed by their NFC West rivals the Los Angeles Rams at +1800.
FRUSTRATION MOUNTS
It’s still remains likely that Parsons’ saga with the Cowboys results in a long-term agreement. He is -300 to remain in Dallas and was seen at the facility on Monday with his practice jersey back on.
He did declare on social media Friday that “I no longer want to play for the Dallas Cowboys,” which stoked the fire and led to oddsmakers creating “Next Team” markets.
The sides are reportedly still far apart in numbers, and Parsons’ lengthy post Friday on X clearly communicated his frustration.
“Yes I wanted to be here. I did everything I could to show that I wanted to be a Cowboys and wear the star on my helmet,” Parsons wrote.
“… Unfortunately I no longer want to be here. I no longer want to be held to close door negotiations without my agent present. I no longer want shots taken at me for getting injured while laying it on the line for the organization our fans and my teammates. I no longer want narratives created and spread to the media about me.”
Parsons said his attempts to discuss an extension started after the 2023 season but have repeatedly been met by “radio silence” from the Cowboys.
“Up to today the team has not had a single conversation with my agent about a contract,” Parsons wrote. “Not one demand has been made by my agent about money, years or anything else.
“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.”
The 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year has recorded double-digit sacks in each of his first four seasons and has watched the market for pass rushers explode.
Defensive end Myles Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million extension with the Cleveland Browns. Maxx Crosby inked a three-year, $106.5 million extension with the Las Vegas Raiders. T.J. Watt’s extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers was for three years and $123 million. A Parsons extension likely would be in the same ballpark — or more.
The Dallas Morning News reported in March that Parsons was seeking a record-setting $200 million contract extension that would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
Parsons recorded 12 sacks, 43 tackles and two forced fumbles in 13 games (all starts) last season.
A Pro Bowl selection in each of his first four seasons in the league, Parsons has totaled 256 tackles (63 for loss), 112 quarterback hits, 52.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 63 career games (all starts).