Micah Parsons, one of the most dominant defensive players of the past four seasons, formally requested a trade from the Dallas Cowboys only a few days ago. Already, there are teams queueing to sign the linebacker – one of which is reportedly the Cleveland Browns.
Officially submitting his demand to Stephen Jones, Parsons wrote plainly, “I no longer want to be here.”
After enduring stalled contract talks – marked by what he deemed “closed-door negotiations without my agent present” and “shots taken at me for getting injured ” -the AllPro edge rusher made it clear: he’s ready to move on.
Parsons, set to play under the fifth-year rookie option worth about $24 million in 2025, has made plain his frustration.
In his own words, Parsons said: “I did everything I could to show that I wanted to be a Cowboy… Unfortunately, I no longer want to be here… I no longer want narratives created and spread to the media about me.” His statement echoes earlier discontent that simmered during talks earlier in the year that never materialized into a formal extension.
Browns in the mix for Parsons trade
Despite Dallas claiming it has no intention to trade Parsons yet, interest is booming across the NFL from teams ready to jump at the opportunity.
Cleveland tops the list – especially if they start a rookie quarterback this season or in 2026, creating a tantalizing pairing with Myles Garrett on the opposite edge. NFL analysts suggest a blockbuster package could involve multiple first-round picks and promising young assets.
Other franchises reportedly in the mix include Buffalo, Carolina, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington. The Eagles, Chargers, Cardinals, Rams, and 49ers have all been linked due to their pass-rush needs or looming salary-cap flexibility.
While some teams face cap constraints, the chance to acquire Parsons – a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time first-team All-Pro, and consistent double-digit sack producer-makes the price high but potentially worth it.
Even so, hosting conference speculation is just half the equation. Eric Edholm recently teased that one Ohio-based team likely features on Parsons’ wish list, intentionally stopping short of naming them directly.
Edholm added a telling detail: this would likely be a team projecting to start a young quarterback – fueling further speculation about Cleveland’s viability.
As he put it, “Miles (Garrett) was out there campaigning for Micah to get paid. I think they would love to be on the same team, just in a hypothetical dream scenario.” The synergy is evident: combining Parsons with Garrett in Cleveland could produce the most formidable pass-rushing core in football.
Parsons’ trade timeline
Parsons first pushed for a contract extension in early 2024, hoping to negotiate long before other top pass rusher deals were finalized. Instead, the Cowboys delayed.
When talks with Jerry Jones touched on leadership in the spring, the subject shifted back to contracts – despite Parsons expecting his agent to be brought into formal negotiations.
According to Parsons, “up to today, the team has not had a single conversation with my agent about a contract.” His decision to demand a trade followed months of perceived inaction and frustration.
The path ahead is complex. Should the Cowboys refuse to trade him, Parsons may face the choice of sitting out games-risking fines – or potentially hitting free agency after 2025, leaving Dallas with no return.
But for teams willing to pay the price in draft capital and salary-cap space, acquiring the 26-year-old pass rusher – who is entering his prime – could change their defensive landscape overnight.
Read the full article here
