The Dallas Cowboys are nearly eliminated from the playoff hunt and must begin evaluating different paths for the upcoming offseason. A potentially historic contract extension for linebacker Micah Parsons looms large for this franchise.
Dallas will now have to undergo contract discussions with Parsons throughout the offseason just one year after the Cowboys re-signed quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Ceedee Lamb to new contract extensions.
Reports about potentially trading Parsons arose following comments made by Cowboys Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones, who said that the financial situation is “really, really tight” and that the team is “going to have some other guys that won’t be here in the future,” as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
While the Cowboys could look to retain Parsons after he spent the four seasons of his career in Dallas, the franchise is reportedly considering making a trade to acquire more pieces to complement the team’s offensive talent.
Regardless, Parsons said after the Cowboys’ Week 15 win over the Carolina Panthers that he is content with the current movement of his contract discussions and understands “how the business side goes” in the NFL.
“There are no hard feelings in this business, whether I’m here or anywhere else. Obviously I’ve stated that I want to be here. But at the end of the day, I understand the business side,” Parsons added, per The Athletic’s Jon Machota.
“I’ve put in a lot of work, I’ve played hard too, so obviously if sides can’t agree to those type of things, it happens like that. But I’m just happy to be here. I’m just gonna keep playing hard while I’m here. If I’m here for the next 5-6 years, I’m gonna keep playing hard then too.”
Jones denied the rumors about potentially trading Parsons to another team, writing in a text message to The Dallas Morning News’s Calvin Watkins to say that he “did not” intend for his comments to come off in that manner, per MSN.
However, the Cowboys could move on and trade Parsons to a team willing to give up a plethora of picks for the All-Pro linebacker.
Despite the Cowboys reportedly considering trade options during the offseason, Parsons said he is focused on winning “something greater” for this organization than just regular season games.
“I want a Super Bowl. I’m in my prime. I feel like I’m untouchable right now. (Team success) brings everything else. I said I want an unofficial no one ever to wear No. 11 (again). You know what I got to do for that? I gotta win some titles,” he said, per Machota.