The release of the Netflix series
“America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys”
has rekindled interest in the iconic era of the Dallas Cowboys, highlighting the legacy built by Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson. This revival has also sparked questions about what the current Cowboys roster needs to break a postseason drought that has lasted nearly three decades since their last <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC Championship Game appearance in January 1996. Central to this discussion is the possibility that the team might move on from star linebacker Micah Parsons to pursue a strategic rebuild.
Looking back, the Cowboys underwent a similar transformative phase beginning in 1989. At the time, Dallas possessed Herschel Walker, widely regarded as one of the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL‘s top players. After Jones acquired ownership from Tom Landry’s era, he executed a bold trade sending Walker to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for five players. Although these players—linebacker Jesse Solomon, defensive back Issiac Holt, running back Darrin Nelson, linebacker David Howard, and defensive end Alex Stewart—are largely forgotten today, that trade set in motion a chain of events that led to the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty.
The Strategic Trade That Fueled a Championship Dynasty
Included in the Walker trade was a key clause stipulating that if Dallas released any of the incoming players, the Vikings would owe the Cowboys five draft picks for each player plus additional selections in future drafts. Jones later cut these players, triggering the draft pick compensation that allowed Dallas to select future stars such as Emmitt Smith, Russell Maryland, Kevin Smith, and Darren Woodson. These acquisitions became the foundation for Dallas’s three Super Bowl championships between 1992 and 1995.
Now, facing contract disputes with Micah Parsons—recognized as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers—the Cowboys may be on the verge of a comparable crossroads. Given Parsons’ remarkable record as the only rusher in NFL history with at least 12 sacks in each of his first four seasons, he remains an invaluable asset. However, Jones might opt to trade Parsons for multiple draft selections rather than commit to a record-breaking contract.
Weighing the Risks and Rewards of the Parsons Dilemma
The potential trade of Parsons presents a critical decision point for Jerry Jones. By leveraging Parsons’ value for high draft picks, the Cowboys could secure top collegiate talent to strengthen their roster in the short to mid-term future, all while managing salary cap constraints. This approach echoes the successful rebuild from the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The outcome depends on Jones’ demands and the level of interest from other NFL teams, as Parsons represents a rare defensive force capable of affecting championship contention. If the Cowboys mirror the Walker trade, they could set off a rebuilding phase that eventually restores their elite status. On the other hand, Jones might choose to offer Parsons a historic deal, potentially making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history, but risking long-term salary cap complications for Dallas.
Ultimately, the decision lies with Jerry Jones and could determine the franchise’s direction for years to come. Whether trading Parsons leads to a draft capital windfall similar to that which propelled the Cowboys’ 1990s dominance, or whether retaining him results in financial challenges ahead, the unfolding situation carries significant implications for the team’s prospects.