Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys have reached a new low in their contract extension negotiations, with talks reportedly regressing rather than progressing. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter on The Pat McAfee Show, the two parties are now farther from an agreement than they were earlier this year in April. This growing divide has only fueled tension surrounding Parsons’ future with the team.

The ongoing negotiations have been complicated by recent developments, including Parsons’ public trade request, which has heightened uncertainty about whether the Cowboys can retain their star defensive player. The situation reflects mounting frustration on both sides as the deadline for resolving the dispute approaches.

Breaking Down the Complexities Behind the Contract Dispute

Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner, expressed confidence last week that a deal was nearly in place, recalling past instances where he completed signings with handshake agreements. However, Parsons and his camp contend they never saw or approved any formal contract. As Schefter detailed on the show:

“I think Jerry feels like they had the makings of a deal, if not an agreement in place. He talked to reporters last week about the fact that when he bought the Cowboys, it was a handshake deal. That’s what he said. And he’s done a lot of handshake deals over time. And again, Micah feels like he never saw a contract, never agreed to anything. His agent never signed off on anything.” —Adam Schefter, NFL Insider

Parsons has been closely watching players from his draft class as well as other top defensive talents around the league secure lucrative extensions, which has exacerbated his dissatisfaction with the Cowboys’ offer. Schefter pointed out the disparity in how Parsons has been compensated compared to several contemporaries:

“And so there are a whole host of issues there. And again, you mentioned Micah’s draft class. If you look it up, look at all the players around him and in front of him that have already been paid. Any good player in front of him, from Ja’Marr Chase to DeVonta Smith to Penei Sewell to most of those, Jaycee Horn, Surtain, they’ve all been paid already. And Micah has not been. And so he’s watching his draft class all get paid.” —Adam Schefter, NFL Insider

The trend extends beyond his draft peers, as elite pass rushers across the NFL have secured contracts Parsons has yet to see. This includes stars such as Maxx Crosby, Danielle Hunter, T.J. Watt, and Myles Garrett, further increasing the pressure on Dallas to finalize a competitive deal. Schefter elaborated:

“He’s watching the top pass rushers across the league, whether it’s Maxx Crosby, Danielle Hunter, Myles, T.J. Watt, all get paid. And he’s not. Not only is he not getting paid, his own team is not even talking to him. And he feels insulted by what they’ve said about him in the summer. So again, this is a situation that’s gone the opposite direction. And they’re further apart from a deal today than they were in, let’s just say, March or early April.” —Adam Schefter, NFL Insider

Trade Request Highlights the Strained Relationship Between Parsons and Cowboys Management

On August 1, Micah Parsons publicly requested a trade through social media after the extension negotiations stalled. This move surprised many, especially since Jones had previously indicated a handshake deal had been reached directly with Parsons before the player’s agent was involved. Once Parsons’ agent became aware, the agreement was voided, reigniting tensions.

Jones has since suggested that Parsons’ trade request may be a tactical element of ongoing contract talks, stressing that the Cowboys have no intention of trading away a cornerstone on their defense. Dallas remains determined to keep Parsons but faces the challenge of closing the gap on financial terms and trust.

The Cowboys are under significant pressure to resolve this before the 2025 season begins. Their opening game on September 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, current NFC East rivals and defending Super Bowl champions, will test the team‘s cohesion and readiness. Whether Parsons suits up for this crucial matchup depends heavily on how these negotiations unfold in the coming weeks.