Micah Parsons has publicly stated that he wants a trade away from the Dallas Cowboys during this contract standoff with owner Jerry Jones and Co. However, one CBS Sports insider notes that while Parsons and his camp push for a move, that doesn't guarantee a trade.
Parsons is participating in training camp and supporting his teammates, but a resolution will eventually be needed. Jones remains confident a deal will get done, which is why he dismissed the trade request.
Trade speculation surrounding Parsons is widespread, but the reality is simple: he only leaves Dallas if the Cowboys are willing to make it happen.
Cowboys decide when contract standoff ends
NFL Senior Insider Pete Prisco stated on CBS Sports HQ that Micah Parsons has no leverage in this standoff, making it clear that the Cowboys hold all the power.
"The only way there's a separation in this marriage is if the Dallas Cowboys decide they want to separate and divorce," Prisco said. "Micah Parsons can't. I keep reading this stuff, 'Oh, Micah Parsons might just push away from the Cowboys.' He can't.
"He's under contract for this year. He has two more years. They could tag him as a franchise tag player two years in a row. For three years, the Dallas Cowboys have his rights. Now, he can choose to sit out. I doubt he will. Basically, the Cowboys hold the power in this negotiation."
If Micah Parsons isn't in the starting lineup on Sept. 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jones may have to acknowledge that the request is more than just a negotiating tactic, or he could continue standing his ground since the Cowboys hold the leverage.
Dallas have one more preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday before the regular season begins. The Cowboys would have a few days to reach an agreement with Parsons to get him ready for Week 1. If that doesn't happen, it could leave a significant gap in their defense, which is far from ideal against the defending Super Bowl champions.