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The Dallas Cowboys, once the NFL's kings of bold moves and big-name gs, are now facing a sobering reality - they might have to move on from superstar Micah Parsons to protect the future of their offense.
Under Jerry Jones, the Cowboys built a reputation for splashy trades and high-profile free agent additions. From Deion Sanders to Terrell Owens to Amari Cooper, Jones never hesitated to write the check for a superstar.
But today, that aggressive approach seems to be a thing of the past, as the team faces a mounting salary cap crisis.
With Dak Prescott potentially commanding $60 million per year, CeeDee Lamb expected to seek a deal worth $34.5 million annually, and Parsons soon eligible for a contract that could exceed $40 million per year, the math is starting to break down. NFL insider Tom Pelissero laid it out clearly, saying, "That's $135 million of your cap on three guys."
Micah Parsons: Franchise Star or Trade Bait?
NFL Network's Rich Eisen recently summed up the uncertainty when he asked Pelissero, "What is the Cowboys' plan, Tom?" - a question many frustrated Cowboys fans are echoing as the team sits quietly in free agency while rivals retool.
Pelissero didn't hold back in his response, suggesting that if Dallas was seriously considering moving Parsons, the time to act was weeks ago. "If you were gonna trade Micah and free up all this cash and cap, you'd like to think you did that a week ago," he said, noting the Cowboys' puzzling inaction in addressing their cap issues.
Meanwhile, the NFC East is getting stronger. The Eagles are coming off a Super Bowl victory, and the Commanders are reportedly exploring deals for star players like .Deebo Samuel and Marshon Lattimore.
In contrast, Dallas has been bargain hunting. Pelissero highlighted their recent moves, saying, "They made a couple of low-end trades for former first-round picks. They traded for Kenneth Murray, who - if they didn't trade for him - was probably getting cut. They traded for Kaiir Elam, who was a former first-rounder who had, like, 12 starts over three years with Buffalo. Again, a low-end type of guy, but you're hoping - you're betting on the upside."
For a team known for making headlines with blockbuster deals, the Cowboys' lack of aggression this offseason has been jarring. "They're not the splash franchise anymore," Pelissero added, summing up the shift in Dallas' identity.
Are the Cowboys Ready to Let Go of Their Defensive Identity?
If Jerry Jones decides to prioritize keeping Prescott and Lamb over Parsons, it could fundamentally change the Cowboys' identity.
Parsons has been the face of their defense and one of the NFL's most dynamic playmakers since he entered the league. Losing him to cap issues would be a devastating blow, not just on the field but in the locker room and among the fanbase.
The idea that Dallas might now be "clipping coupons" instead of chasing stars is a far cry from the Jerry Jones who once traded away multiple draft picks without blinking.
But as Pelissero pointed out, betting everything on three players means someone could be sacrificed - and all signs point to Parsons being the odd man out if Dallas continues down this path.
Whether the Cowboys choose to restructure deals, trade key players, or simply hope the cap will somehow stretch enough to cover all three stars, their decision will shape the franchise for years to come.
If Jones lets Parsons walk or trades him away to avoid financial strain, it will mark a dramatic departure from the team's history of putting star power above all else.
For now, Cowboys fans are left waiting, wondering if their team's days of dominance - and spending - are officially over.