Parsons requests trade from Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons officially requested a trade Friday due to an ongoing contract dispute with the team.

"I no longer want to be here. I no longer want to be held to close door negotiations without my agent present," Parsons said in a statement. "I no longer want shots taken at me for getting injured while laying it on the line for the organization, our fans, and my teammates. I no longer want narratives created and spread to the media about me. I had purposely stayed quiet in hopes of getting something done."

He added: "I have made a tough decision, I no longer want to play for the Dallas Cowboys. My trade request has been submitted to (executive vice president) Stephen Jones personally."

Owner and general manager Jerry Jones publicly criticized the pass-rusher for his injury history in July, erroneously saying he'd missed six games last season when he missed four.

Parsons wrote that he met with the owner in March to discuss leadership, but they also talked about his contract. The player said he didn't consider this a formal negotiation and told Jones his agent would reach out later, but his agent was told the deal was finished when he did make contact. Parsons said the team went silent when his agent reached out to Stephen Jones and still hasn't talked to his representative about a new contract.

The Cowboys have no intention of trading Parsons, sources told The Athletic's Dianna Russini. However, teams still plan to reach out Friday to check on his availability.

Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who signed a four-year, $136-million extension with the team last August, took a shot at the organization's handling of the situation.

Parsons and Cincinnati Bengals pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson are two elite edge rushers still searching for new deals. A few high-end players at the position already signed extensions this offseason, including Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, and T.J. Watt.

Garrett inked a four-year, $160-million contract after requesting a trade out of Cleveland, while Watt became the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league when the Steelers gave him a three-year, $123-million deal.

Parsons is entering the final year of his contract after Dallas exercised his fifth-year option. He's set to earn just over $24 million in 2025, according to Spotrac.

The 26-year-old was selected in the first round of the 2021 draft. He's racked up four Pro Bowl nods and two first-team All-Pro nominations in four seasons, totaling 112 quarterback hits and 52.5 sacks over 63 career contests.