Micah Parsons trade: Insider reveals harsh ultimatum Dallas Cowboys gave defensive star

Jerry Jones sent shockwaves through the NFL on Thursday afternoon, trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. A saga dating back to the early portions of the offseason, one final attempt reportedly came from Parsons’ end to get an extension with the Dallas Cowboys done.

NFL Network’s Jane Slater spoke with Parsons following the trade, relaying a few final conversations before the trade was completed. She reports Parsons went to the Cowboys looking to come to an agreement after trade rumors surfaced. Instead, he was hit with an ultimatum by the front office.

“I spoke with Micah Parsons this evening,” Slater said via X. “He says ‘genuinely gonna miss y’all.’ He says he and his team went back to the Cowboys about an extension with ’empathy’ when the trade interest was leaked this week. The Cowboys response according to Parsons was ‘play on the 5th year or leave.'”

Ian Rapoport added onto Slater’s report shortly after. “Yup. #Cowboys had a chance to stop the deal and negotiate with Micah Parsons,” he said via X. “They declined.”

In theory, the Cowboys could have had Parsons under contract for the next three seasons. He was set to play out the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. Then, Dallas would have the franchise tag in their back pocket for the next two years. Based on Slater’s report, they wanted Parsons to, at least, play things out this season.

Jones will now, instead, have to watch Parsons play for a different team moving forward. A reunion takes place Week 4 instead AT&T Stadium when the Cowboys host the Packers. Sunday Night Football being in town only adds to the drama, setting up what should be a fascinating game — on and off the field.

More on Dallas Cowboys trading Micah Parsons to Green Bay Packers

The Dallas Cowboys have traded pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Just weeks after Parsons requested to be moved due to a contract dispute, Dallas granted his wish. A landmark trade in the NFL, sending one of the league’s best players to Green Bay.

“The #Cowboys are trading All-Pro Micah Parsons to the #Packers & they agreed to a 4-year, $188M deal done by @DavidMulugheta and @AndreOdom of @AthletesFirst including $136M gtd, per me, @TomPelissero & @SlaterNFL.,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said via X. At $47M per year, Parsons is the highest-paid non-QB in history and nets 2 1st rounders for Dallas.”