Players as good as Micah Parsons are supposed to retire with the team that drafted them. While it is rare in today's NFL for a player to spend their entire career with one organization, Parsons is that caliber of player. And yet, the Dallas Cowboys washed their hands of him after four years.
In a blockbuster deal for the ages, the Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Packers for two first-round picks and defensive tackle in Kenny Clark. It's a laughable haul for a player who's at worst the second-best pass rusher in football, but is anybody really surprised?
Parsons' body language in the preseason was indicative of a player that just wanted to suit up with his teammates. He thoroughly enjoyed representing the Cowboys and he said as much in a statement to the fan base after the trade became official.
Micah Parsons pens emotional statement to Cowboys fans after shocking Packers trade
"I never wanted this chapter to end, but not everything was in my control. My heart has always been here, and it still is. Through it all, I never made any demands. In ever asked for anything more than fairness. I only asked that the person I trust to negotiate my contract be part of the process," Parons wrote.
"This is a sad day, but not a bitter one. I'll never forget the joy of draft night, the adrenaline of running out of the tunnel, or the brotherhood I shared with my teammates, coaches and the staff who prepared me for every single game. Those memories are mine forever."
Parsons added that North Texas will continue to be his home during the offseason and that he will continue giving back to the community. Just when Cowboys fans thought they couldn't feel any worse, right?
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Credit to Parsons for giving the fan base a parting message, but again, is anyone really surprised? While he's outspoken and wears his emotion on his sleeve, No. 11 is a class act. All he asked in the negotiation process was to involve his agent, David Mulugheta. While Mulugheta is a tough cookie to crack, it never should have reached this point.
It's been reported that Parsons and Jerry Jones had a "handshake" agreement early in the offseason that would have made Parsons the richest non-quarterback in NFL history. Parsons walking back the agreement - in Jones' purview - to involve Mulugheta was a sticking point for Jones and the relationship deteriorated ever since.
It's hard to say if Cowboys fans will be rooting for Parsons given he was traded to an NFC rival, but don't think for a second that he's to blame here. If Jones wanted a deal to get done, it would have happened.
Simple as that.
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