Latest Micah Parsons Controversy Reveals Dallas Cowboys Dysfunction
In typical contract negotiation fashion, some members of the Cowboys believe tearing down their best defensive player is the best way to gain leverage.
When organizations have a dominant player on their team, usually that leaves them with no choice but to look for common ground on future contract extensions. Most franchises don’t actually tear down a player’s character when the team still employs them.
Then there are the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) celebrates his sack against the Arizona Cardinals at
Joe Rondone / The Republic / USA TODAY
The Cowboys, led chiefly by the Jerry Jones family, have too found ways to “leak” complaints about certain players when it’s time to give them contracts in a way to regain some leverage. Dallas did that with former wide receiver Dez Bryant, current quarterback Dak Prescott, and now they are doing it to Micah Parsons.
Just this past week, sources within the organization told Shan Shariff of 105.3 The Fan, that Parsons’ antics have “worn thin” by some.
“I’ve heard from way too many people this offseason. I’m talking about at least four different people [have told me] that Micah has worn thin there,” Shariff said Friday.
By the way, don’t shoot the messanger here. It’s Shariff’s job to gather and disseminate information. It’s the Cowboys responsibility to be smart about what people in charge are saying to the media. And these are not smart things to say.
In his first three seasons with the Cowboys, Parsons has recorded 10+ sacks in every year (40.5 total) and a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year each year. He is also a two-time first-team All-Pro. Despite the big numbers, and a looming contract extension on the way, the Cowboys feel the time is right to wonder if their defensive superstar really is worth all the trouble…apparantely.
Parsons hosts a Podcast called “The Edge” in his off-time, and recently took part in the NBA’s Celebrity All-Star game. Since coming to the NFL, the Penn State product has been an outspoken player, but one of the more dominant across the league. He may even be outspoken to the point of distraction, a point that’s been made often around The Star by everyone from Michael Irvin to our own Mike Fisher.
Nevertheless … Normally, a team would do anything in their power to re-sign a top player like this. … and would say the right things publically to serve that cause. In fact, the Philadelphia Eagles – Dallas’ chief rival with some admitted dysfunctional issues of their own – at least made quick work in re-signing both Landon Dickerson and Jordan Mailata. DeVonta Smith, drafted one pick ahead of Parsons, is also expected to receive an extension.
For the Cowboys, though, it’s all about dragging their feet … and it’s all about leverage. It appears they’ll risk alienating their best overall player for the sake of that. And in the end, all it does is show their true dysfunctional colors as an organization.
