Cowboys Point/Counterpoint: Should a trade be on the table for Micah Parsons?

Dallas Cowboys training camp approaches, bringing focus to Micah Parsons' pending contract extension. Historically, owner Jerry Jones delays such deals until the last minute and then overpays. The situation is complicated by the Pittsburgh Steelers' similar negotiation with T.J. Watt; whichever elite pass rusher signs first will likely become the highest-paid non-quarterback until the other signs, incentivizing both sides to wait.

Analyst Tom Ryle proposes a radical approach: the Cowboys tell Parsons they won't offer an extension at all. He argues Parsons, while a top pass rusher, often piles up sacks against weaker opponents but disappears in big games against elite teams and offensive lines. Ryle suggests the team should have a frank discussion with Parsons about needing to prove his value in crucial games and contemplate trading him if he can't deliver, especially given salary cap constraints. He believes the Cowboys, facing large contracts for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, should prioritize offensive spending over defense, viewing this as a rebuilding year focused on keeping Prescott healthy and bolstering the offense.

Analyst David Howman strongly opposes trading Parsons. He contends Parsons is arguably the NFL's best or at least a top-five pass rusher, whose defensive versatility makes him more valuable than players like Myles Garrett. Howman asserts elite players like Parsons should never be willingly traded, citing the Raiders' regret over trading Khalil Mack as a cautionary tale. While acknowledging the salary cap ("the pie") argument, Howman fundamentally distrusts the Cowboys' front office to secure fair compensation in a trade, referencing past failures like the Amari Cooper and La'el Collins deals. He argues a Parsons trade should command a historic return (like the Herschel Walker or Khalil Mack trades), which he believes this front office is incapable of achieving, making any trade a poor investment.