Cowboys Headlines: Parsons drama continues while underdogs rise in Oxnard
Under the cloud of contract drama, the Dallas Cowboys are quietly holding one of the most fascinating training camps in the league. Micah Parsons' hold-in remains the story of the summer. Every day he stands on the sideline, every time fans chant 'Pay Micah,' the tension thickens. But if one looks past that they'll find a camp buzzing with real competition, genuine comeback stories, and a handful of young players forcing their way into the conversation.
La'el Collins, leaner and hungrier than he's been in years, is back in the building. Seventh-round pick Phil Mafah, fresh off a 1,000-yard season at Clemson, has turned in one strong rep after another. This is what training camp is supposed to be: high-stakes, high-energy, and full of guys trying to prove something.
And it's not just the drafted or the decorated vets making noise. Undrafted names like Hunter Luepke, Mike Smith Jr., and Alijah 'Cinco' Clark are doing what they always have, finding ways to matter. Luepke's become the offense's second Swiss-Army knife, lining up everywhere from fullback to tight end and doing all the little things that win football games. Smith, a ballhawk from Eastern Kentucky, keeps showing up at the right time in the right place. Clark, the safety out of Syracuse with a sizable guarantee, looks like he belongs and then some. There's a reason Will McClay's scouting department earns its praise, because every year, someone like this breaks through.
Forget the noise for a minute. These are the stories worth watching.
Micah Parsons changes his wardrobe, but not his stance, as 'Pay Micah' looms over Cowboys camp - CBS Sports
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Micah Parsons is continuing his training camp hold-in while contract talks with the Cowboys remain at a standstill, sparking loud 'Pay Micah' chants from fans in Oxnard. Parsons briefly stopped wearing his No. 11 jersey at practice following a formal trade request, though he was back in uniform, albeit still on the sideline, by Monday. Teammates and coaches have voiced support for him, but his absence is being felt, especially when it comes to missed reps for the offense against one of the NFL's premier pass rushers. Despite the growing drama, Dallas' staff is treating Parsons as part of the plan, insisting they're preparing like he'll be on the field once things are resolved.
Every option for Cowboys Micah Parsons, from $2.6 million grievance to sitting out '25 - Cowboys Wire
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Contract talks between the Cowboys and Micah Parsons have reached a boiling point, with several options now in play, including a potential NFLPA grievance over his fifth-year option designation. Parsons could escalate his current 'hold-in' by leaving camp entirely, which would trigger fines and game check losses, but that might not be his first move. If he opts to sit out the season past Week 10, his contract would toll into 2026, putting both sides right back in the same situation next year with nothing gained. While Parsons risks a year of his prime, the Cowboys face the greater cost: losing their best player, derailing staff plans, and watching a championship window fade.
La'el Collins ready for newest stint with Cowboys: 'This is where my heart is' - DallasCowboys.com
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Back in Oxnard, La'el Collins is home again, rejoining the Cowboys after a successful workout and a long road back from a major knee injury. Though he hadn't played since 2022, Collins never wavered in his belief that he could still contribute, and now, he's down to 300 pounds and feeling the best he has in years. His return comes at a critical time for Dallas, with injuries piling up along the offensive line and familiarity playing a big role in his fit. For Collins, this is more than a comeback, it's a personal mission to finish strong where it all began, protecting Dak Prescott and proving he's still got plenty left in the tank.
UDFA, Cowboys' 2nd swiss-army knife could threaten depth charts of two different positions - Cowboys Wire
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Versatility is becoming a calling card in Dallas, and Hunter Luepke is embracing that identity as a do-it-all weapon on offense. The third-year undrafted fullback is lining up at multiple spots, fullback, H-back, and even tight end, giving the Cowboys a movable chess piece who can shift defenses pre-snap and open up the playbook. His role could shake up depth charts at both running back and tight end, especially with competition heating up behind Jake Ferguson. Paired with Kavontae Turpin, Luepke offers a different flavor of unpredictability, giving Brian Schottenheimer and Klayton Adams creative flexibility that could prove vital to Dallas' offensive evolution.
Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer sings praises of rookie running back - Sports Illustrated
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Rookie running back Phil Mafah is quickly earning praise at Cowboys training camp, with head coach Brian Schottenheimer highlighting his consistent impact and playmaking in practice. Drafted in the seventh round, Mafah faces an uphill climb in a crowded backfield that includes veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, along with fellow rookie Jaydon Blue. Despite the depth chart, his strong finish at Clemson and early flashes in Oxnard suggest he could carve out a role sooner than expected. With joint practices against the Rams on deck, Mafah has a chance to build on the momentum and push for meaningful reps in his rookie season.
UDFA defensive back hopes to parlay clutch performances into NFL career with Cowboys - Cowboys Wire
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Undrafted rookie Mike Smith Jr. is looking to become the latest hidden gem in the Cowboys' rich UDFA history, bringing a track record of clutch playmaking from Eastern Kentucky. The former team captain led his conference in interceptions last season, including two game-sealers, and earned All-American honors along the way. Now in camp with Dallas, he's hoping his physical frame, ball skills, and special teams potential earn him a spot on the 53-man roster. With a thinner-than-usual UDFA class this year, Smith's blend of leadership and late-game instincts could help him stand out in a crowded defensive backfield.
How the Micah Parsons dispute embroiled Jerry Jones, Dez Bryant, Jay-Z, and Nicki Minaj - The Athletic
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Micah Parsons' contract standoff with the Cowboys reached a breaking point when he publicly requested a trade, prompting a bizarre string of reactions involving Jerry Jones, Jay-Z, Dez Bryant, and Nicki Minaj. Jones' comments about past negotiations with Jay-Z and Dez sparked a social media clash, with Bryant and Minaj each jumping in and escalating tensions. Minaj used the moment to reignite her own feud with Roc Nation, eventually clashing directly with Bryant in an increasingly personal and hostile exchange. What started as a player's frustration with team management quickly spiraled into a chaotic culture crossover driven by ego, loyalty, and unresolved beefs.
Cinco de Buy Low: UDFA looks to show Cowboys the draft isn't the only place to find a star - Cowboys Wire
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With no safeties taken in the draft and no veterans added in free agency, the Cowboys are banking on internal development, and undrafted rookie Alijah 'Cinco' Clark could be a key part of that plan. A former top New Jersey recruit who transferred from Rutgers to Syracuse, Clark brings versatility to the secondary, having played multiple DB roles and flashed promise with a standout bowl game performance. His $234K in guaranteed money was among the highest for any UDFA league-wide, signaling strong interest and belief in his potential. While he still has to prove he can consistently make plays on the ball, his special teams value and positional flexibility give him a real shot at cracking the 53-man roster.
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Fox Sports
7 minutes ago
- Fox Sports
Jerry Jones Shares He Hasn't Spoken With Micah Parsons Since Trade Request
National Football League Jerry Jones Shares He Hasn't Spoken With Micah Parsons Since Trade Request Updated Aug. 5, 2025 10:31 p.m. ET share facebook x reddit link OXNARD, Calif. — Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stood yards away from talented edge rusher Micah Parsons during his team's joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday. However, that relative proximity didn't lead to an advance in contract talks with the Cowboys' top defensive star. Jones shared he has not spoken to Parsons nor started contract negotiations with his agent, David Mulugheta, since he demanded a trade on Friday. He also went on to say that he's uncertain if Parsons will play in the Cowboys' season opener against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 4, which also serves as the opener to the 2025 NFL regular season. "No, absolutely not," Jones said. "A big part of that is his decision. How would I know that? I'm just saying, but I'm urgent." Jones and a disgruntled Parsons traded jabs over the weekend. Frustrated with the lack of progress on a contract extension, Parsons demanded a trade in a long post on X on Friday. [Related: What Would Trading for Cowboys Star Micah Parsons Cost and Who Might Pay It?] The following day, Jones said he would not trade Parsons and dismissed any concerns about the standoff, telling fans not to lose any sleep over it. The Cowboys and Parsons remain at a contract impasse on a contract extension that will likely make the Penn State product the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Parsons, 26, is in the final year of his rookie contract that will pay him $24 million. ADVERTISEMENT Parsons once again did not practice on Tuesday, continuing his "hold-in." He watched Tuesday's practice with his white No. 11 jersey on and sweats from the sideline. He spent part of practice speaking with former Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth, who has served as a mentor. Jones reiterated that he believes the Cowboys and Parsons came to a handshake agreement on contract terms in a discussion between the two earlier this year without Parsons' agent present — something the 26-year-old pass rusher vehemently disagrees with. "There's no question that in the case of a player contract, you have to have it in writing," Jones said. "All parties do. We have a contract in writing, yet we're still talking about renegotiating it." Asked what the sticking point is between the two sides, Jones had this to say: "There's points of varying degrees and influences in not having something done, but nothing I would say is out of the ordinary." While the joint practice between the Cowboys and the Rams provided a much-needed distraction from the ongoing contract stalemate, Jones still sees a player in Parsons he wants to keep in the fold. "I think the world of Micah," Jones said. "Like I've said, I've had a lot of social time with Micah — which isn't always the case — but I have. He's one of the brightest people I've ever been around. He's very, very talented. And how we ultimately net him in with a future is a challenge. "But I'm built for it, and he's built for it." Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for more than a decade, covering the Los Angeles Rams for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune. Follow him on X at @eric_d_williams. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! share
CBS News
8 minutes ago
- CBS News
Jerry Jones says no contact with Micah Parsons amid trade request
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has not spoken to Micah Parsons since the star defensive end publicly requested a trade last week. Jones spoke to reporters Tuesday following a joint practice between the Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams, his second such media session in four days after Parsons took to social media Friday amid a breakdown in negotiating a contract extension. Asked if he has any confidence Parsons will be on the field ready to play for the Cowboys in their season opener at the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 4, Jones said, "Again, no. Absolutely not. A big part of that is his decision. How would I know that?" Jones again said that the Cowboys organization has not had direct contact with Parsons' agent, David Mulugheta, before reiterating that he does not consider the holdup in talks unusual. "There's points of varying degrees of influencing not having something done, but nothing that I would say is out of the ordinary," Jones said. Parsons has not responded publicly to Jones' remarks. The 26-year-old remains at training camp but has yet to participate because of a sore back. He spent part of Tuesday's workout talking to Cowboys defensive back Trevon Diggs, Rams wide receiver Davante Adams, and former Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth. "I did notice him, but there's 200 players out here, and a lot of good ones, and so that's really what you're dealing with," Jones said of Parsons' continued attendance at practice. "All of our fans know that when you walk out here. In this case, 200 football players out here, so you're not just having someone snap out at you in terms of what you're paying attention to." Jones again alluded to his direct conversations with Parsons in the spring over a contract extension that would almost certainly make the two-time All-Pro the highest-paid defender in NFL history. The nature of those talks has been disputed by Parsons, who is going into the final season of his five-year rookie contract and could be franchise-tagged in 2026 without an extension. "There is no question that in the case of the player contract, you have to have it in writing," Jones said. "All parties do. Do we have a contract in writing? Yet we're still talking about renegotiating. So, so much for that." Jones continues to express his belief that the issue can be resolved to the satisfaction of both Parsons and the Cowboys. "Our future is a challenge, and I'm built for it, and he's built for it," Jones said.
Washington Post
2 hours ago
- Washington Post
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has not spoken with Micah Parsons following public trade request
OXNARD, Calif. — Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has not spoken to Micah Parsons since the star defensive end publicly requested a trade last week. Jones spoke to reporters Tuesday following a joint practice between the Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams, his second such media session in four days after Parsons took to social media Friday amid a breakdown in negotiating a contract extension.
