2025 NFL Offseason Buzz: “Pay Micah!” Chants Ring Out as Cowboys Face Contract Standoff

As the 2025–26 NFL season approaches, the league is buzzing with blockbuster moves and rising tensions — and few situations are getting more attention than the Dallas Cowboys’ contract standoff with Micah Parsons.

With the preseason just days away and the first game scheduled for July 31, fans across the country are watching closely as teams make final roster adjustments and injury updates roll in. But in Oxnard, California, at the Cowboys’ training camp, fans are making their message loud and clear:
“PAY MICAH!”

Cowboys Fans Call Out Jerry Jones

During the opening day of Cowboys training camp, long-time team owner Jerry Jones was met with chants of “Pay Micah!” from frustrated fans. The message was a direct response to the team’s failure to extend All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

While the Cowboys did exercise Parsons’ fifth-year option — keeping him under contract through 2025 at $24 million — it’s a figure well below what many believe the star defender is worth.

Parsons, who earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his first three NFL seasons, is the only player in league history to record at least 12 sacks in each of his first three years. At just 26 years old, he’s already one of the top defensive forces in the NFL — and fans know it.

Still, the front office has hesitated. Jerry Jones recently stirred more controversy by seemingly questioning Parsons’ durability, referencing the high ankle sprain that sidelined him for several games last season — the first injury of his NFL career.

Cowboys’ Offseason Moves

Despite contract drama, Dallas has been active this offseason. The team traded for third-year wide receiver George Pickens, adding firepower to their offense after a disappointing 7–10 season in 2024.

But if the Cowboys hope to bounce back in 2025, securing Parsons long-term will be key. His leadership, consistency, and explosiveness on defense are too important to leave hanging in contract limbo.

Around the League: Major Offseason Highlights

The Cowboys aren’t the only team making noise this summer:

• The Rams signed veteran star Davante Adams, giving Matthew Stafford an elite deep threat.

• The Titans landed first overall draft pick Cam Ward, marking a new era for Tennessee.

• The Jets signed quarterback Justin Fields, hoping to stabilize the position after last season’s rollercoaster.

Browns Hit with Quarterback Injury

In Cleveland, quarterback Kenny Pickett suffered a hamstring injury during a red zone drill at training camp. The injury occurred during 11-on-11 work, and head coach Kevin Stefanski is expected to provide updates ahead of Monday’s padded practice.

Pickett, who joined the Browns this offseason, is in a quarterback competition with veteran Joe Flacco and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. His injury could shake up the race heading into the preseason.

Bills WR Carted Off with Ankle Injury

In Buffalo, wide receiver Tyrell Shavers was carted off the field after injuring his right ankle on the final play of Sunday’s practice. The 25-year-old, who signed as an undrafted free agent two years ago, went down awkwardly after making a catch in the end zone.

Head coach Sean McDermott ended practice early after the injury, and updates on Shavers’ condition are still pending. Meanwhile, starting linebacker Terrel Bernard and wideout Curtis Samuel also missed practice with hamstring issues — a growing concern for the Bills’ training camp depth.

Looking Ahead

As the NFL preseason kicks off, tension continues to rise in Dallas — not just on the field, but in the stands. With Micah Parsons playing at a historic level, fans won’t stop chanting until Jerry Jones opens the checkbook.

Elsewhere, injuries, trades, and new signings are shaping what could be one of the most competitive and unpredictable seasons in recent memory. One thing’s for sure: the 2025 NFL season is already off to a dramatic start.