ESPN questions the Cowboys’ Micah Parsons’ contract holdout plan, asking him to provide all the money before he quits the team due to…

The Dallas Cowboys’ All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons has ignited controversy across the NFL this week, following reports that he is planning to hold out of training camp—and potentially the 2025 season—if he doesn’t receive a record-setting contract extension. But now, ESPN analysts are openly questioning both the logic and leverage behind Parsons’ bold strategy.

On NFL Live Thursday evening, anchor Laura Rutledge and analysts Marcus Spears and Mina Kimes didn’t hold back, with Spears—a former Cowboy himself—voicing skepticism about the timing and optics of the holdout.

“Micah is one of the most disruptive defensive players in the game right now, no doubt. But if you’re going to threaten a holdout, you’d better have a rock-solid plan. And part of that is simple: get your money in hand before you threaten to walk away,” Spears said.

The 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year is entering the final year of his rookie deal, with the Cowboys having already exercised his fifth-year option. That means Parsons is set to earn $21.3 million in 2025—a massive figure by rookie standards, but still below market value for an elite pass rusher in today’s NFL. Parsons is reportedly seeking a deal in the $35–40 million per year range, which would eclipse Nick Bosa’s record-setting extension with the 49ers last offseason.

Parsons has not attended OTAs this spring, and sources close to the situation say the 25-year-old is “seriously considering” skipping mandatory minicamp in June unless contract talks accelerate. The Cowboys, however, have not indicated any willingness to cave to pressure tactics.

Mina Kimes cautioned against assuming the team would blink first.

“The Cowboys have leverage here. They control Parsons through at least 2026 if they want to franchise tag him after next season,” Kimes said. “This is a team that has historically taken its time with extensions, and I don’t think Jerry Jones likes being publicly pressured. The holdout threat might actually slow things down.”

One particular sticking point: what happens if Parsons follows through with the holdout, but the team doesn’t budge? ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith took the conversation further on First Take, suggesting that if Parsons intends to walk, he better be financially secure to do so.

“Micah, I love you, brother, but this isn’t a bluff you can play unless the money is already in your bank account,” Smith said. “Don’t say you’re going to quit unless you’re already ready to quit. Show us the money—then walk away.”

Parsons’ camp has not responded to ESPN’s inquiries, but insiders say the linebacker is “digging in,” believing he should be paid as the face of Dallas’ defense and one of the league’s marquee stars. Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones told reporters earlier this week that the team remains in “active dialogue” with Parsons’ representatives, but didn’t commit to any timeline.

The drama adds another layer to a turbulent offseason in Dallas, with quarterback Dak Prescott also awaiting a new deal and head coach Mike McCarthy entering a make-or-break year.

For now, all eyes are on Parsons—and whether his gamble will force the Cowboys’ hand, or backfire as a costly miscalculation.