Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams Hold High-Stakes NFL Preseason Practices, Game

The Dallas Cowboys are facing significant challenges entering the 2025 NFL season, with contract tensions surrounding star linebacker Micah Parsons who has publicly requested a trade amid stalled negotiations with owner Jerry Jones. Despite the drama, Jones insists the trade request is a negotiating tactic, reflecting a broader trend in the league where players leverage public trade demands to secure better contracts, as seen with Myles Garrett's recent extension. The Cowboys, coming off a disappointing 7-10 season, have low Super Bowl odds around +5000, signaling a roughly 2% chance of winning, though optimism remains with new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and returning key players. Meanwhile, the Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams prepare for joint practices and a preseason game on August 9 at SoFi Stadium, an event steeped in playoff history and rivalry, where both teams will utilize practice time to evaluate players and build momentum. The Rams will feature players like Jared Verse and Nate Landman during these sessions, emphasizing intensity and leadership as they ready for the season. The preseason opener also highlights the Cowboys' quarterback backup battle, a critical storyline given the departures of Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, with rookies and veterans vying for the backup role behind Dak Prescott.