Ahead of the NFL‘s season opener next week, Micah Parsons remains a prime topic of conversation for the Dallas Cowboys. While many continue to speculate on whether he’ll take the field, one analyst gave an interesting take on the situation.
Parsons has been in a standoff with the Cowboys’ front office for weeks now due to failed contract extension talks. Things have evolved into a messy ordeal, with the star linebacker putting in a trade request.
Parsons has remained around the team in some capacity, which has done more harm than good in some instances. The Cowboys star found himself back in the headlines during Dallas’ preseason finale when he was seen lying down on the trainer’s table mid-game.
Despite the fact that he’s swept up in a public battle with the organization and has been sidelined with a back injury, some still think he’ll be available Week 1. At this time, it remains unknown how Parsons plans to address the situation once there are real games to be played.
Also read: Dallas Cowboys Coach Speaks on Micah Parsons’ Availability
Stephen A. Smith utters bold take on Cowboys star Micah Parsons
During Wednesday’s installment of First Take, Stephen A. Smith was asked if Parsons should suit up for the Cowboys when they take on the Eagles next week. In a shocking turn of events, he implored the All-Pro linebacker to remain on the sidelines.
His belief is that if Parsons’ absence leaves a massive hole in the Cowboys’ defense, it could result in Jerry Jones having a sense of urgency to work out an extension.
“You want to send a message and create a little bit of discomfort for Jerry Jones the way he has done so for you,” Stephen A. said. “If the Dallas Cowboys go out there and they struggle on the defensive side of the ball Week 1, going into Week 2, it’s going to be very problematic for Jerry Jones.”
.@stephenasmith doesn’t believe Micah Parsons should play Week 1
pic.twitter.com/EF2MVzNBWO
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 27, 2025
Also read: Dallas Cowboys Coach Reflects on Latest Meeting With Micah Parsons
This approach would add another wrinkle to this ongoing saga, but could work out in Parsons’ favor. Jones has already caught a lot of backlash for how he’s conducted business thus far. If it affects the Cowboys’ ability to be competitive early in the 2025 season, the outside noise is only going to get louder.
Based on how things have unfolded thus far, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Parsons sits out Week 1 to cause a bigger stir.
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