Dallas’ 30-Year NFC Championship Dream on the Brink – Star defender Micah Parsons falls into Jets’ hands right before season opener against arch-rival Philadelphia Eagles.
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the upcoming NFL season, they’re approaching a grim milestone. It’s been nearly 30 years since they last reached the NFC Championship Game. The glory days of the ’90s, when the team won three Super Bowls, now feel like a distant memory. Their most recent title came in January 1996. This year, however, there’s a spark of optimism, particularly on offense. Dak Prescott has returned from injury and is ready to lead a unit bolstered by newcomers such as wide receiver George Pickens, running backs Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams, and rookies Tyler Booker at guard and Jaydon Blue at running back.
Could Micah Parsons End Up on Another Team?
The offense appears to be the team’s strongest asset, but what about the defense? That’s another story. All eyes are on Micah Parsons, the heartbeat of the defense, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract with no extension from owner Jerry Jones in sight, which has stirred up plenty of uncertainty. Rumors have started circulating that Parsons, who is currently under a $24 million fifth-year option, might be on the move, with the New York Jets emerging as a potential suitor. Pro Football and Sports Network’s Hayden Victoria compiled a list of teams who could strike a trade for Parsons, and the Jets found themselves on the list.
The Jets are in dire need of a turnaround; they haven’t made the playoffs in 14 seasons, which is the longest drought in U.S. major sports leagues. Bringing in a talent like Parsons could be a game-changer for their new head coach, Aaron Glenn, who is looking to make his mark. Parsons has been a force since day one, racking up at least 12 sacks every year of his four-season career for a total of 52.5, which is good for fifth all time among players in their first four years. The Jets recently signed quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million deal in hopes of igniting their offense and might see Parsons as the missing piece.
Still, I’m skeptical. Parsons has repeatedly said he “wants to be a Cowboy for life,” and Dallas tends to play hardball until the eleventh hour-just look at Dak and CeeDee Lamb. My gut tells me he’ll sign a new deal with the Cowboys right before the season opener against the defending champions and bitter rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, in Philadelphia. Parsons is set to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in football, surpassing Ja’Marr Chase’s average annual salary of $40.25 million.
While the Cowboys’ offense appears poised for success, the defense is under pressure to improve, particularly in the competitive NFC East. They’ll have to contend with playmakers such as Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin of Washington, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown of the Eagles, and Malik Nabers and Russell Wilson of the Giants. Dallas didn’t make many splashy moves on defense this offseason, which could haunt them.
On the flip side, there’s reason for hope with Prescott. The last time he missed significant time due to injury was in 2020, and he bounced back in 2021 with an outstanding year: 4,449 yards and a franchise-record 37 touchdowns. When you pair him with Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, who could form the league’s scariest receiving tandem, and add in new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who knows Dak inside and out from his coordinator days, you’ve got an offense that might carry this team further than expected. The Cowboys could be a sneaky contender in the NFC if the defense holds its own.
