The NFL community was stunned when Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons asked for a trade on Friday after contract negotiations faltered. The Buffalo Bills quickly became a leading candidate to acquire Parsons in a possible deal. The topic of a James Cook trade to Cowboys has gained traction as part of the discussions surrounding a potential agreement.
Challenges for Bills in acquiring Parsons and managing salary cap
Securing Parsons would be a complex process for Buffalo, as the linebacker seeks an annual salary exceeding $40 million, while the Bills are already above the salary cap for 2025. Creative roster moves and accounting strategies would be needed to create cap room, including sending a player to Dallas as part of a trade package.
Proposed trade scenarios involving draft picks and key players
Jarrett Bailey of The Sporting News proposed two potential trade packages to the Bills. The first involves Buffalo sending defensive end A.J. Epenesa along with multiple future draft picks, including first, third, and fifth-round choices in 2026 and first and second-round picks in 2027, to Dallas in exchange for Parsons and late-round selections.
The second, more appealing option for Dallas, requires the Bills to offer fewer draft picks — specifically a first and a fourth-round pick this year plus a second-round pick in 2027 — but would also include sending running back James Cook to the Cowboys.
Impact of including James Cook in trade from Bills and Cowboys perspectives
Cook didn’t receive a contract extension from the Bills this offseason and is set to be a free agent in 2026. The Cowboys have long-needed a game-changing running back , and Buffalo still has Ty Johnson and Ray Davis to rely upon in the backfield.
— Jarrett Bailey, The Sporting News
Cook, who is also looking for a new contract, recently completed his second straight 1,000-yard rushing season and tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing touchdowns. His arrival would immediately bolster the Cowboys’ struggling rushing attack, although Dallas would still face the challenge of negotiating a contract extension with him.
Potential consequences for Buffalo’s offense if Cook is traded
For Buffalo, acquiring Parsons would strengthen their defense significantly, potentially positioning them as Super Bowl favorites. However, parting ways with Cook could leave a gap in their offense, as they would need to rely heavily on Ray Davis to fill the void in the running back role. The Bills’ offense needs a dependable player to support quarterback Josh Allen in carrying the workload.
Buffalo Bills’ evolving roster amid ongoing trade talks
The Bills continue to manage key elements of their roster, including Josh Allen’s protection and emerging talent like wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who is stepping up as the team’s top receiver by mastering Joe Brady’s route system. The team also benefits from veteran players who contribute quietly but significantly to the offensive scheme.
Next steps for trade discussions and roster adjustments
The discussions around the James Cook trade to Cowboys as part of acquiring Micah Parsons remain speculative but critical, as both teams weigh the risks and rewards. Buffalo must consider its salary cap and depth in the backfield, while Dallas evaluates how to extend Parsons’ contract and integrate Cook to improve their ground game. The outcomes of these negotiations will have a major influence on both teams’ prospects for the coming seasons.