Troy Aikman Highlights Micah Parsons' Leverage in Cowboys Contract Standoff

Troy Aikman, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current NFL commentator, has voiced strong support for Micah Parsons amid the ongoing contract dispute between the star linebacker and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Aikman emphasized Parsons' critical role for the team, stating that the Cowboys cannot be competitive or slow down opponents without him, and described Parsons as "worth every penny" of the contract he ultimately receives. Despite the stalemate, Aikman expects the Cowboys to surpass public win projections and believes a new deal will eventually be reached, though he acknowledged unpredictability in Jerry Jones' negotiating approach. Parsons, who requested a trade earlier in August due to frustrations over stalled negotiations, is set to play the 2025 season under his fifth-year option but is seeking a long-term contract comparable to top NFL defenders like T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett. Both Aikman and other commentators highlighted the potential impact of Parsons' absence on the Cowboys' defense and expressed optimism about head coach Brian Schottenheimer's leadership. The contract saga remains unresolved, but Parsons' leverage lies in the Cowboys’ reliance on his game-changing abilities to contend this season.