Former Pro Bowl quarterback Robert Griffin III recently stirred the pot with a bold statement about Micah Parsons’ future with the Dallas Cowboys.
As the star linebacker’s contract negotiations heat up, RGIII suggested that Parsons should consider asking for a trade rather than re-signing with the team.
This take comes amidst growing uncertainty over whether the Cowboys and Parsons will come to an agreement before the linebacker hits free agency in 2026.
The loss of veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence has given Parsons significantly more leverage in contract talks.
As one of the NFL’s premier defenders, Parsons – who has been named to four Pro Bowls – is positioned to demand a massive payday, with some speculating he could seek a deal in the ballpark of $40 million per year.
RGIII made his opinion clear on social media, which is sure to stir controversy among Cowboys fans… “If Micah Parsons wants to win AND get paid, he should demand a trade from the Dallas Cowboys,” Griffin posted on X.
While RGIII comments may have caught attention, the reality is that the Cowboys can’t afford to let Parsons slip through their fingers.
The 25-year-old has already racked up 52.5 sacks, 63 tackles for loss, and nine forced fumbles in just four seasons, making him a perennial candidate for Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Currently, Parsons is under a club option that would pay him just over $24 million for the upcoming season.
However, with his dominant performance, many experts predict he could push for a contract that rivals the $40 million annual salary of Myles Garrett, the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.
The Cowboys are under pressure to retain their star linebacker, but their financial flexibility is limited due to the current structure of Parsons’ deal.
To free up cap space, the team restructured contracts for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. However, it’s likely they’ll have to stretch out Parsons’ new contract over multiple years to make room for his massive salary.
Despite RGIII’s suggestion, there’s little indication that Parsons is considering a trade request.
The linebacker is well aware of his value to the Cowboys and their Super Bowl aspirations. But with the negotiations heating up, the pressure is on owner Jerry Jones and the front office to secure Parsons’ future with the team before it’s too late.
“I’m the one who has to write the check and Micah is the one who has to agree to. That’s the straightest way to get there. That’s the principle that’s involved here,” Jones said of contract negotiations.
Jones also seemed to take a shot at Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, by claiming that he doesn’t even know his name.
“The agent is not a factor here, or something to worry about. And I don’t know his name,” Jones said. “And so my point is, I’m not trying to demean him in any way, but this isn’t about an agent.
“The agent doesn’t have one thing to do with what we’re doing when we get on the football field against a team. Micah does. To the degree I’m involved, I do. The people that have something to do with what we do going forward relative to our fans and football are me and the player, not the agent.”
For what it’s worth, Parsons made sure to stick up for his agent and made it clear that he won’t be making any decisions without Mulugheta’s input and guidance.
“Facts!! David is the best and I will not be doing any deal without @DavidMulugheta involved! Like anyone with good sense I hired experts for a reason. There is no one I trust more when it comes to negotiating contracts than David! There will be no backdoors in this contract negotiation,” Parsons posted on X.
As it stands, Parsons remains a key piece of Dallas’ defense, and losing him – whether through free agency or a trade – could have a devastating impact on their chances of contending for a Super Bowl.
What are your thoughts on RGIII’s suggestion that Parsons should “demand” a trade?
Clearly, the temperature between the two sides is rising at a significant rate … When it’s all said and done, what do you think will end up happening with Parsons???
