The contract standoff between the Dallas Cowboys and Micah Parsons reached a new level Friday when their star pass rusher posted a statement on X detailing his frustrations with the lack of progress and requesting a trade.
Parsons is entering the final year of his rookie contract and seeks a deal to become among the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the NFL. The Cowboys have indicated they are willing to pony up, but negotiations have stalled.
How did it get to this point? Here’s a timeline of notable moments regarding Parsons’ contract:
Early 2024: In his statement, Parsons said he instructed his agent David Mulugheta to reach out to the Cowboys after the 2023 season, his third in the NFL, in hopes of striking an early deal on an extension. Parsons said they were told the Cowboys were not ready to start negotiations.
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April 2024: The Dallas Morning News reports the Cowboys will pick up the fifth-year option on Parsons’ rookie contract. He’s scheduled to earn $21.324 million in 2025 base salary.
February 2025: In his statement, Parsons said he instructed his agent to talk contract with the Cowboys at the NFL Scouting Combine, a common practice among teams and player reps. Parsons said his agent preferred to wait until more players received new contracts to drive up the price. Parsons’ agent met with Adam Prasifka, the Cowboys’ director of salary cap/player contracts.
March 2025: Parsons and Jerry Jones met and discussed the parameters of a deal. Parsons said in his statement that he did not believe these were formal negotiations, while Jones thought a potential deal had been worked out. Parsons told Jones to contact his agent. Both sides have confirmed no talks have taken place since.
March 9, 2025: The Cleveland Browns and defensive end Myles Garrett agreed to a four-year deal worth $160 million. The deal has an average annual salary of $40 million and made Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback at the time.
March 28, 2025: The News reports Parsons is expected to ask for a $200 million contract extension that would become a record for a non-quarterback.
July 17, 2025: Outside linebacker T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed on a three-year deal worth $123 million. The deal has an average salary of $41 million and again raises the bar for the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
July 22, 2025: Parsons’ hold-in, where he is present at camp but not practicing, began. On the first day of Cowboys training camp practices in Oxnard, Parsons expressed his frustration with the process. “I’ve been pretty consistent: If they don’t want me here, then they don’t want me here. I’ll go about my business.”
July 26, 2025: During opening ceremonies for training camp in Oxnard, Stephen Jones was asked about fans yelling pay Micah during his father’s presentation. “We want to pay Micah, too,” Stephen responded. “He’s got to want to be paid, too.” The comment didn’t sit well with Parsons. He even called Stephen Jones afterward, a person familiar with the situation told The News, to voice his displeasure. An apology was then made.
Aug. 1, 2025: Parsons released his statement on X, stating his desire to be traded. “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,” he wrote. Parsons said he submitted the request to Stephen Jones personally. Jones declined to comment.
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