Here's What Micah Parsons' Trade Request Means for Your IDP League

What They're Saying

Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News: "Jerry Jones says that he isn’t considering trading Micah Parsons, despite his trade request."

Jones: "I would say to our fans, don't lose any sleep over this."

Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com: "As it stands, the Cowboys have shown no interest in moving Parsons, and it's unlikely that changes. Why would they? Parsons has been one of the most prolific pass rushers in the league over his first four seasons, one of only two players in NFL history to register 12 or more sacks in each of his first four NFL seasons, along with Hall of Famer Reggie White."

Parsons, amid a long social-media post: "Unfortunately, I no longer want to be here."

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Parsons' only real leverage here is to stay off the field until he gets what he's looking for. He did report to camp on time, and he was at the practice field (though not practicing) Saturday, after the trade-request announcement.

HC Brian Schottenheimer said he has had "great conversations" with Parsons, and teammates have taken to social media to show their support. And it makes sense, of course, for Jones to say he won't trade Parsons. Why would he ... unless he doesn't want to pay up.

And that's the line here, which is different from plenty of other holdout (or hold-in) players.

Parsons turned 26 in May and is seeking his first post-rookie NFL contract. He pretty clearly sports a strong case to become the highest-paid edge in the league. You'd think it should just be a matter of working out the specific details.

Perhaps the fact that it hasn't happened yet is just the Joneses being annoying again, just like the previous situations that led up to extensions for WR CeeDee Lamb and QB Dak Prescott.

If there's no agreement before Week 1 in this case, Parsons is young enough to push this into the regular season without losing the same kind of time that, say, 30-year-old Trey Hendrickson would with a similar holdout in Cincinnati. That prospect is worrisome for anyone looking to draft Parsons in an IDP league.

So What Should We Do?

Like you, I can only guess at how this plays out. But I'm expecting Parsons to hit the field for some team in Week 1.

Although I just said he could push the holdout beyond that point, doing so would still cost him money off this year's $24 million salary (the club-option year on his rookie contract).

And if Dallas does cave and trade Parsons, the acquiring team would surely be one willing to pay up.

We'll keep tracking this situation throughout August, but I'm treating Parsons the same as I have been in IDP drafts: as the top guy in my DL rankings.

Other Winners & Losers

Parsons' absence -- even if it ends by Week 1 -- can only help the edges behind him on the depth chart by allowing extra practice reps.

Dallas has drafted an edge in the second round three of the past four years:

• 2022 -- Sam Williams
• 2024 -- Marshawn Kneeland
• 2025 -- Donovan Ezeiruaku

Ezeiruaku's my favorite sleeper in the group after a highly productive college career and encouraging Combine testing. Williams looked intriguing as well before the ACL tear that wiped out his 2024. I'm less enthusiastic about Kneeland, but we'll see how this summer plays out.

Dallas also brought back Dante Fowler this offseason after he tallied 10.5 sacks (second-most in his career) for the Commanders last year. He's 31, though, and has always been more of a situational rusher.

Ultimately, one of those four guys should emerge as starter opposite Parsons, and two could start the opener if this situation doesn't get worked out.

Consider stashing Ezeiruaku at the end of your IDP draft if it's early in August. Otherwise, we'll see how the competition goes.