Micah Parsons and Dallas Cowboys' Relationship Sours

The relationship between Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys has soured, with Parsons considering taking drastic actions such as requesting a trade or severing ties with the team, according to a source familiar with the situation. The two parties are not currently negotiating and remain far apart as the second week of training camp begins.

A key issue arose when Parsons spoke directly with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones over several days in the spring. The team viewed these discussions as negotiations, believing a deal was in place, while Parsons considered them mere conversations and wanted his agent to handle negotiations. When Parsons' agent tried to start negotiations, the Cowboys refused to engage, insisting they already had an agreement.

The team is now not communicating with Parsons' agent at all, leading to a tense standoff with escalating tension. Parsons, a four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher in the final year of his rookie contract, is present at Cowboys practices but not participating in on-field activities. He is expected to command a significant salary exceeding $40 million annually in his next contract.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones addressed the situation on July 21, stating, "We're just working with what it is. It's not uncommon for me, and not anything there's a lot of angst over. He's doing a real good job of being here. And that's important. ... We are where we are. And I sign the check. Period." Parsons last spoke publicly on July 22, expressing his desire to stay with the team but acknowledging that if they do not want him, he will move on and perform at his best as long as he is under contract.

The Cowboys have a history of contract holdouts involving top players, including Ezekiel Elliott, Zack Martin, and CeeDee Lamb since 2019. These holdouts have had contentious moments but have not led to trade requests.