The ongoing tension over contract negotiations has led star NFL players Micah Parsons, Terry McLaurin, and Trey Hendrickson to publicly express frustration and request trades as the 2025 season nears. Despite the uproar among fans of the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and Washington Commanders, insiders suggest that none of these players is likely to change teams anytime soon, maintaining focus on their current rosters and playoff hopes.

Teams Unwilling to Lose Star Players Before 2025 Season

While the headlines suggest dramatic shifts, sources indicate there is an almost zero chance for trades involving Parsons, McLaurin, or Hendrickson. The Cowboys, Bengals, and Commanders all view their star athletes as indispensable when aiming for greater success in the upcoming season, making it highly improbable they would weaken their squads by trading key performers. This standoff is viewed more as a spectacle than an indication of concrete moves within the next year.

Public Trade Requests Considered Strategic Posturing

These public trade demands are widely regarded as part of a negotiation strategy rather than genuine plans to leave their teams. Comparisons to theatrical stunts emphasize the unlikely nature of such trades, with team owners and general managers firmly opposed to trading valuable players just weeks before the regular season. The Cowboys’ Jerry Jones, Bengals’ Mike Brown, and Commanders’ Adam Peters are all reportedly unified in resisting these trade rumors to maintain team integrity.

Unusual Trades Could Shake Up the Status Quo, but Are Improbable

Only exceptionally unconventional or “nutty” trades, such as swapping McLaurin for Tyreek Hill or exchanging Parsons for Hendrickson, would disrupt the current scenario. Although the Cowboys’ contract negotiation tactics have been somewhat unorthodox—delay and refusal to communicate with Parsons’ agent—the organization has not signaled any intention of facilitating a trade. They continue to treat Parsons’ trade request as leverage within ongoing contract discussions.

Micah Parsons’ Trade Demand Seen as Negotiation Tactic

Despite the strained relationship in contract talks, the Cowboys have maintained that discussions with Parsons’ representatives remain limited by choice, not due to intent to trade their star linebacker. Jerry Jones downplayed the trade request during recent comments, indicating that fans and observers should not be overly concerned. This stance reinforces the idea that Parsons remains a crucial component to Dallas’ ambitions this season.

“Don’t lose any sleep over it,”

—Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner

Terry McLaurin’s Value Keeps Washington Commanders Reluctant to Let Him Go

Terry McLaurin, the Commanders’ top receiver and franchise figure before Jayden Daniels joined, has pushed for a contract reflecting his elite status, aiming to be paid above the 17th highest-paid receiver mark. However, Washington’s leadership hesitates to commit to such a deal partly due to McLaurin nearing 30 years of age, an age after which wide receivers often see a performance decline. This leads to tension and McLaurin’s trade request, creating a challenging situation for the Commanders as they balance loyalty with business prudence.

Playoff Contenders Reluctant to Lose Key Players Amid Division Rivalries

Both the Cowboys and Commanders are preparing for playoff runs in an NFC East division dominated by the Philadelphia Eagles, who show no major contract troubles and reward player performance consistently. The internal conflicts highlight a contrast with the Eagles’ stability, impacting locker room morale and fan sentiment as these teams attempt to manage public disputes while striving to compete at a championship level.

Cincinnati Bengals’ Ongoing Struggle to Retain Defensive Star Trey Hendrickson

The Bengals have resisted trade attempts from Hendrickson over the past two years despite his repeated public trade requests. As their most dependable defensive player, Hendrickson’s dissatisfaction stems from contract disagreements. The Bengals face a critical decision: trade their top defender in a rare high-profile deal—potentially swapping for Parsons—or meet his contract demands. Experts agree the Bengals are unlikely to part with Hendrickson, indicating they will seek to finalize a contract before the season begins to avoid weakening their roster.

Trade Speculation Likely a Sideshow Ahead of Regular Season

Overall, the trade rumors involving McLaurin, Parsons, and Hendrickson are seen largely as negotiation posturing and media distractions rather than imminent moves. With the regular season approaching, teams and players alike have strong incentives to resolve disputes internally rather than cause upheaval. Fans may witness continued drama and frustration, but the most probable outcome is the retention of these star players on their current teams, reinforcing the competitive balance as the NFL season unfolds.