The Dallas Cowboys’ long-standing pattern of coming up short has never been more apparent than in the aftermath of the 2025 NFL free agency period’s early stages. Once again, the franchise failed to make the bold moves necessary to bridge the gap between themselves and their NFC East rivals. Dallas stuck to its usual conservative approach—a strategy that has left them in a precarious position heading into the next phase of team building. If the Cowboys genuinely aspire to compete for a Super Bowl in the near future, they must make a game-changing decision. That means parting ways with their most valuable asset: Micah Parsons.
A Free Agency Period That Left Dallas Stagnant
The Cowboys have once again hesitated to make major moves in free agency. That’s despite having the financial flexibility to make significant acquisitions. Instead of pursuing high-impact signings, they either re-signed familiar faces or took low-risk chances on former first-round picks. Sure, Dallas restructured the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to free up cap space for 2025. However, they have yet to make any notable signings that justify this financial maneuvering.
Moreover, the Cowboys allowed several key homegrown players to walk in free agency. That’s despite having the resources to retain them. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis secured a three-year contract from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Running back Rico Dowdle signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. Also, edge rusher Chauncey Golston inked a three-year contract elsewhere. The lone commendable external free agency move Dallas has made so far is signing Dante Fowler. He led the Commanders with 10.5 sacks last season.
With $37.4 million in effective cap space—the eighth-most in the league, according to OverTheCap.com—the Cowboys remain inactive in the free-agent market. Compounding the issue, All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons still hasn’t received a contract extension. That’s even as the rest of the league continues to inflate his market value. Dallas’ unwillingness to take calculated risks has left them stuck in neutral. Now they watch as their division rivals continue to push ahead in the NFC arms race.
Here we’ll try to look at the perfect trade that the Dallas Cowboys must complete after the 2025 NFL free agency frenzy.
The Bold Move Dallas Must Make: Trading Micah Parsons
Few names in the NFL trade market carry as much weight as Micah Parsons. His contract situation remains unresolved as of this writing. That’s despite players from his draft class already securing lucrative extensions. Parsons is a generational talent—arguably the most electrifying defensive player in the league. However, the Cowboys find themselves in a tough predicament. Over the last three seasons, Parsons trails only Myles Garrett in Pro Football Focus’ overall grade (93.7) and pass-rushing grade (94.3). These highlight his dominance.
Yes, trade speculation surrounding Parsons has quieted for now. That said, Dallas can’t afford to ignore the looming decision. Just last season, Lamb held out of training camp and nearly forced a trade to gain leverage in contract negotiations with Jerry Jones. If the Cowboys reach a point where they know they can’t meet Parsons’ asking price, then moving him for a massive haul must be on the table.
Addressing the Cowboys’ Biggest Needs
The Cowboys made moves in free agency, signing Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. However, neither represents a significant upgrade over Dowdle. The latter eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards last season. Finding a young, three-down back to complement Prescott and Lamb remains a top priority. As such, securing a franchise-caliber running back should be slightly higher on their list.
Beyond skill positions, the Cowboys’ offensive line faces pressing concerns. With Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe stepping into bigger roles, the absence of Zack Martin looms large. Brock Hoffman is currently slated to start at one guard position after being phased out of the center competition. Dallas may need to reshuffle the lineup to stabilize the trenches.
Maximizing Draft Capital
The most likely scenario remains Dallas working out a long-term extension with Parsons. Negotiations could heat up in the coming weeks, possibly even before next month’s draft. However, conflicting reports suggest that behind-the-scenes discussions may not be as straightforward as they seem. If Dallas instead opts for a bold, franchise-altering move, trading their star pass rusher before the draft would be the ideal strategy.
Any team holding a high draft pick would likely jump at the opportunity to acquire Parsons. Yes, that’s even with the understanding that they would need to sign him to a blockbuster contract. One intriguing potential suitor is the New England Patriots. A hypothetical trade scenario suggests that New England could send a package of four to five premium draft picks to Dallas in exchange for Parsons. If that happens, it would be one of the most significant trades in NFL history. If the Cowboys are unwilling or unable to match Parsons’ market value, flipping him for a massive haul of draft capital could set them up for long-term success in an increasingly competitive NFC East.
The Path Forward for Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads. They can continue their conservative approach, hoping that their current roster can somehow take the next step, or they can make the tough decision to reshape their future by trading Micah Parsons. Moving on from a generational defensive talent is never easy, but if the Cowboys play it right, they could position themselves for sustained success. With an aging core and limited cap flexibility, acquiring multiple high draft picks could be the catalyst for a roster reset that puts them back in legitimate Super Bowl contention. If Dallas is serious about competing with Philadelphia and Washington, they must take a bold leap rather than remain stuck in mediocrity.
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