With the start of the regular season almost in sight, we take a tour of the league’s most compelling plots
Leave it to Jerry Jones to stink up the most optimistic time of year. The Cowboys owner has once again fumbled a contract negotiation with one of his stars. Despite fellow 2021 draftees Penei Sewell, Patrick Surtain II and Ja’Marr Chase signing long-term extensions, the Cowboys have allowed talks with Parsons to drag on.
Last week, Parsons accused Jones of trying to circumvent his agent in negotiations and formally requested a trade.
It’s fun to imagine Parsons on the trade block. What kind of haul could the Cowboys get in a trade? Three first-round picks? Two? Would the Bills make a move? The Rams? Is there a team that wouldn’t call? But let’s be clear: Parsons isn’t going anywhere.
“It’s a negotiating tactic,” Jones said after Parsons’ request. For once, Jerry is right. Myles Garrett submitted a trade request to the Browns in February. A month later, he signed a $160m extension. In a league with the franchise tag, a public trade request is one of the only levers a player can pull in negotiations. Parsons is simply playing his part in the public charade.
