Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons has once again shown that he’s just as skilled at grabbing headlines off the field as he is at terrorizing quarterbacks on it. On May 16, 2025, Parsons stirred up controversy by publicly denying a report from team insider Clarence Hill Jr., who claimed that Parsons and the Cowboys had already agreed to a massive contract extension through a so-called “handshake deal.” Not only did Parsons push back on the claim, but he also added intrigue by posting a cryptic GIF from the movie Sinners, implying a lack of trust in informal promises.
The drama kicked off when Hill reported that Parsons and the Cowboys had reached a verbal agreement that would make the standout defender the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. But Parsons wasn’t having it. He responded on X (formerly Twitter) with a firm “no kizzy”—slang for “no lie”—calling the report untrue. He followed up with, “Last time I seen a hand shaken deal!” along with a GIF from Sinners, in which Michael B. Jordan’s character gets burned after trusting a handshake agreement. The message was loud and clear: Parsons is only interested in something that’s legally binding.
Rather than just denying the rumor, Parsons took things a step further, using the moment to assert his position in ongoing contract talks with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. The 26-year-old, who tallied 12 sacks and 43 tackles last season, is entering the final year of his rookie deal under a fifth-year option worth $24.07 million. Analysts predict his next deal could exceed $40 million per year, surpassing the current benchmark set by Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, who signed a four-year, $160 million deal. Still, as Parsons made clear, there’s no deal until the pen hits the paper.
The Sinners reference only added more fuel to the fire. By invoking a movie scene about betrayal, Parsons sent a message not only to Hill but possibly to the Cowboys’ front office, which has been known to delay major contract deals. Fans may remember how long it took Dallas to finalize extensions for quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb—negotiations that dragged into the final moments. Parsons appears to have little patience for similar stalling tactics.
This isn’t the first time Parsons has made waves with his off-the-field commentary. Known for being outspoken and candid, he’s used both his social media and his podcast, The Edge with Micah Parsons, to share unfiltered takes. He’s taken shots at rivals, such as Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, and didn’t hide his disappointment during the NFL Draft when the Cowboys missed out on wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Whether he’s stirring up rivalries or criticizing front office decisions, Parsons has become one of the league’s most vocal—and polarizing—figures.
Still, there’s no denying his value on the field. With four Pro Bowl selections, two First-Team All-Pro honors, and the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year award under his belt, Parsons has built a résumé that rivals the game’s best defenders. His 52.5 career sacks place him in elite company alongside legends like Reggie White, and his presence is key to a Cowboys defense that ranked in the top 10 during the 2025 season.
The Cowboys’ front office knows exactly how important he is. Stephen Jones, the team’s executive vice president, recently told reporters that the organization is optimistic about keeping Parsons in Dallas for the long haul. “Micah wants to be a Cowboy, and we want him here,” Jones said. However, Parsons’ recent social media moves suggest he’s not about to settle for anything unofficial or half-hearted. The trust level, at least publicly, seems shaky.
As the Cowboys look ahead to their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4, 2025, the uncertainty surrounding Parsons’ contract casts a shadow over the team’s preparations. His refusal to entertain handshake agreements and his flair for sending ambiguous messages have turned a routine negotiation into a headline-grabbing drama. Whether this intensifies pressure on the Cowboys to seal the deal or complicates things further remains unclear. But one thing’s for sure: Micah Parsons knows exactly how to keep all eyes on him—on and off the gridiron.
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