Just hours after Micah Parsons officially requested a trade from the Dallas Cowboys, the football world is buzzing. Two NFL legends aren’t holding back their thoughts on how this situation spiraled completely out of control.
Why Are J.J. Watt and Richard Sherman Calling Out the Cowboys?
J.J. Watt and Richard Sherman, two of the most respected voices in football, both jumped into what’s quickly becoming one of the biggest stories of the NFL offseason. Their message was clear: this mess didn’t need to happen.
Watt took to social media with a subtle but sharp jab at the Cowboys and a message to every team in the league.
“Take care of your best players early. Saves money. Saves headaches. The longer you wait, the higher the price.”
Take care of your best players early.
Saves money.
Saves headaches.The longer you wait, the higher the price.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 1, 2025
It’s a sentiment many fans share, especially after watching how smoothly other organizations have locked up their cornerstone players. Meanwhile, Richard Sherman never minces words, and he added his own frustration to the mix.
“Should have just paid Micah Parsons when [Nick Bosa] got paid. Would have saved ALOT of money and headache. But what do I know.”
Should have just Paid @MicahhParsons11 when @nbsmallerbear got paid. Would have saved ALOT of money and headache. But what do I know. https://t.co/Flk5xt2tI7
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) August 1, 2025
The Bosa comparison hits hard. Back in 2023, the 49ers signed Nick Bosa to a massive five-year, $170 million deal with over $120 million guaranteed. That contract didn’t just set the market, it gave teams like Dallas a blueprint. Instead of following it, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys chose to wait, and then wait some more.
What Happened When Parsons Asked for His Extension in 2024?
Here’s what makes this whole thing worse: Parsons was patient. Ahead of the 2024-25 season, he made it known that he was open to an extension. He didn’t create drama. He didn’t threaten to hold out. He just wanted a conversation about his future with the team.
But that conversation never happened. The Cowboys stayed silent while their best defensive player waited for some sign that they valued him. Now, a year later, his tone has changed completely. Either he gets the deal he deserves, or he’s done with the organization entirely.
For Cowboys fans, this feels like déjà vu in the worst way possible. Parsons isn’t just a star player, he’s the heart of the defense and the type of athlete you build a championship team around. Watching this situation unfold feels all too familiar for a franchise that has struggled to take care of its best players when it matters most.
This isn’t just about money anymore. It’s about respect, communication, and trust. Those things seem to have been missing from the start. Now, as the Cowboys scramble to figure out what comes next, they’re doing it under intense public scrutiny, with two NFL legends leading the criticism.
Whether Parsons gets traded or stays put, one thing is crystal clear: this entire mess was completely avoidable. The Cowboys had every opportunity to prevent it, and they chose not to act.
