Dallas Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones has confirmed that Micah Parsons will stay with the team in Arlington despite ongoing trade speculation. Speaking just before the Cowboys faced the Los Angeles Rams in their preseason opener, Jones emphasized that Parsons remains under contract and is expected to continue playing for the franchise.
Jones highlighted Parsons’ presence at the game, stating,
“It’s great that he is here,”
and adding,
“It’s what’s expected. He’s under contract for us. We’ll keep going.”
He also dismissed the possibility of trading the four-time All-Pro linebacker and Pro Bowler, noting the common nature of negotiations across the league:
“That’s the nature of the negotiation. If you look at any negotiations around the league right now … I think they’ve all negotiated a trade.”
Meanwhile, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones refrained from commenting on the situation, only saying to a local radio station,
“Glad to see he’s working out and in shape and feels great. All of that is good. I don’t have anything to comment on.”
Stephen Jones Highlights Team Needs at Defensive Tackle and Cornerback
Aside from Parsons’ contract status, Stephen Jones also addressed the Cowboys’ defensive lineup, acknowledging areas requiring reinforcement. The team faces shortages at defensive tackle (DT) and cornerback (CB), with several key players recovering from injuries.
Trevon Diggs, Shevon Revel, and Josh Butler remain sidelined, while Caelan Carson will miss 4-6 weeks due to a hyperextended knee. This situation leaves DaRon Bland as the only top-tier cornerback currently available to play.
In a recent interview, Jones said about the defensive backfield,
“With them not ready to go yet, you certainly think about that in terms of improving there if you get the opportunity to do it… I certainly think that’s a place where you get your fingers crossed a little bit.”
Defensive Tackle Position Still a Concern, Jones Expresses Confidence
The defensive tackle spot presents its own challenges. While Osa Odighizuwa has established himself as a clear starter, Mazi Smith has struggled to consistently overcome offensive linemen. This has opened opportunities for players such as Solomon Thomas, Jay Toia, and Perrion Winfrey to compete for playing time.
Jones reflected on the position’s current state, saying,
“Mazi and Jay are doing a good job, but you still wanna see it live, because that position in the trenches, you don’t get a great feel for it… But I do have a lot of confidence (that) both guys are gonna step up for us.”
Game Update and Implications for the Cowboys
At the time of these comments, the Cowboys were trailing the Rams 0-14 in the preseason game. While the team faces challenges on defense and the uncertainty surrounding Parsons’ trade request, the leadership’s commitment to retaining key players and addressing roster weaknesses demonstrates a cautious yet hopeful outlook for the season ahead.
Maintaining Micah Parsons on the roster preserves a critical defensive asset, which, combined with efforts to strengthen the defensive tackle and cornerback positions, could influence the Cowboys’ competitiveness in the upcoming <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season.