Everyone sort of had the sense that the Micah Parsons contract negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys weren't going well.
But apparently, they were going even worse than it seemed.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini dropped a bombshell on Friday morning. This is what she shared on X:
"The Micah Parsons-Cowboys relationship has deteriorated to the point where the star pass rusher is considering drastic measures which could include a trade request or even a declaration that he is severing his relationship with the team, per multiple league sources familiar with the situation. The two sides remain far apart heading into the second week of training camp, and are not currently negotiating."
Parsons may sever his relationship with the Cowboys? Goodness.
This has the potential to turn into one of the biggest stories in recent Dallas history.
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Parsons is a generational pass rusher. In his four seasons since leaving Penn State, he has had at least a dozen sacks in each one.
He's assumed to be in line for a record-setting contract extension, due to be paid more money than any non-QB ever. That'd start in the ballpark of four years and $162 million, but given that Parsons is just ending his rookie contract, he might get five or six years, and more in the $205 million for five or $250 million for six contract ballpark.
Reports in the last week-plus aligned with Russini's information that the Cowboys and Parsons aren't negotiating. It's an odd reality, one that seems like it'd make it extra tough to get a deal done.
It's not totally clear whether it's Parsons or the Cowboys who are playing especially hard to get, but the outcome could be disastrous in Dallas.
Parsons has less to lose here, probably. He'll get paid by someone, and he'll be an NFL star no matter what uniform he's wearing.
The Cowboys, while it'll be costly, can't afford to lose Parsons. You don't just replace a guy like that.
The NFC East is brutal, with the defending champion Eagles and on-the-rise Commanders. The Cowboys have made strides this offseason, between a great draft and the trade for George Pickens to complement CeeDee Lamb at wide receiver.
But without Parsons, that'll all mean very little.
This story isn't over, but it's going in a direction that is very bad for the Cowboys.
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