NFL Training Camps Open Amid Contract Tensions: Parsons and McLaurin Demand Trades

As NFL training camps kick off, so does the annual wave of contract disputes, with players either holding out or participating minimally while pushing for new deals. The latest headlines feature two star players making bold moves:

• Micah Parsons (Cowboys) and Terry McLaurin (Commanders) have both requested trades amid stalled contract talks.

• Parsons aired his frustrations in a lengthy social media post, revealing a breakdown in negotiations with Dallas. His cryptic "One last time" post fueled speculation, though the Cowboys have reportedly refused to trade him.

• McLaurin, while present at camp, has skipped practices due to an injury—a common "hold-in" tactic. His trade request signals escalating tensions, though Washington seems unwilling to move him.

Other Key Contract Standoffs

Here’s a look at notable players in limbo, ranked by the intensity of their situations:

RankPlayerTeamStatus1Micah ParsonsCowboysTrade requested2Terry McLaurinCommandersTrade requested3Trey HendricksonBengalsPossible "hold-in"4James CookBillsPracticing, wants deal5Elgton JenkinsPackersBack at practice6Jauan Jennings49ersLimited (injury)

Breaking Down the Biggest Situations

Micah Parsons (Cowboys)
Parsons’ public trade demand raises questions: Is this a negotiating ploy or a genuine rift? Reports suggest owner Jerry Jones believes a verbal agreement was already in place, but Parsons insists his agent will handle talks. With tensions rising, this could drag out.

Terry McLaurin (Commanders)
Despite reporting to camp, McLaurin’s trade request indicates negotiations have stalled. Is this a pressure tactic, or is he serious about leaving?

Trey Hendrickson (Bengals)
Though he showed up to avoid fines ($50K per missed practice), Hendrickson hasn’t softened his stance—calling Cincinnati’s latest offer "atrociously low."

James Cook (Bills)
The running back is practicing but openly pushing for $15M/year, which would make him one of the league’s highest-paid RBs. Will Buffalo pay up?

Elgton Jenkins (Packers) & Jauan Jennings (49ers)

• Jenkins denies his absence was contract-related, but with Green Bay recently paying teammate Zach Tom big money, will he get his deal?

• Jennings has practiced but missed time with a calf injury. Despite trade rumors, Kyle Shanahan denies any request was made.