Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys‘ standout edge rusher, is pushing for a contract that reflects his elite status among NFL players. With his current deal set to expire after the upcoming season, Parsons is aiming for a salary comparable to top defenders like Myles Garrett, who earns around $40 million annually. Instead of negotiating quietly, Parsons and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones have made their disagreement public, fueling speculation and concern among fans about the potential outcomes.
As the contract standoff continues, both sides have communicated their positions to the media rather than confining discussions to private meetings. Parsons has expressed openness to a trade if Dallas refuses to meet his demands, while Jones has signaled he might apply the franchise tag or even explore trading Parsons to gain value rather than risk losing him without compensation.
Why the Chicago Bears Are Considered Potential Trade Partners
The Chicago Bears have emerged as one of the primary teams possibly interested in acquiring Parsons should the Cowboys decide to trade him. The Bears’ defense could receive a huge boost with Parsons joining their roster, making them strong contenders in the NFC North division. ESPN 1000 Radio host David Kaplan weighed in during a discussion with Evan Cohen, host of the Unsportsmanlike radio show, emphasizing how much of an impact Parsons could have in Chicago.
“Depending on the price, sign. me. up. Because if they could pull that off for draft capital, the Bears become the favorites to win the NFC North.” —David Kaplan, ESPN 1000 Radio host
Kaplan further elaborated that landing Parsons would alter the division’s power dynamics. He predicted the Bears would surpass rivals such as the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions, positioning Chicago as the division favorite.
I believe Detroit [Lions] is going to take a step back. It’s no layup that they will run away and hide in the division. If you drop Micah Parsons in with Montez Sweat, Jaylon Johnson, Tremaine Edmunds, and Kyler Gordon, we become the favorite in that division.
—David Kaplan, ESPN 1000 Radio host
Though optimistic, Kaplan’s assessment was framed as a hypothetical scenario dependent on the Bears’ ability to meet Dallas’s steep asking price in draft capital.
Potential Trade Terms and the Stakes for Dallas and Chicago
Reports indicate the Cowboys could demand at least three first-round draft picks as a starting point for any trade involving Parsons. Additional picks would likely be necessary, and the acquiring team would still have to negotiate a new contract with the star defender. Parsons, who turned 26 recently, is considered to be in his prime, giving any team confidence in his continued high-level performance.
For teams like the Bears, meeting this price tag would mean giving up valuable future assets, and there remains the inherent risk Parsons might decline a long-term extension if traded. Dallas currently holds significant leverage, as they can still use the franchise tag or keep Parsons through the next season while negotiating.
The uncertainty persists over whether Jones and Dallas’s management are ready to part ways with one of their top defenders or if this public friction is a strategy aimed at facilitating a large contract extension after negotiations intensify.
What the Future Holds for Micah Parsons and the Cowboys
The ongoing contract standstill involving Micah Parsons has heightened attention across the NFL about a possible blockbuster trade or a landmark contract deal. Cowboys fans closely monitor the situation as it develops, knowing the outcome could reshape the team’s defense or prolong the star linebacker’s tenure in Dallas.
For the Bears, acquiring Parsons would potentially turn them into the leading force in the NFC North, challenging longtime divisional rivals. However, the cost of such a move could have far-reaching effects on their draft strategy and salary structure.
Ultimately, the resolution of this dispute will signal whether the Cowboys choose to invest heavily in Parsons’s future or leverage his trade value to rebuild. Either way, the NFL community remains engaged as contract trade rumors around Micah Parsons continue to dominate headlines.