NFL Trade Rumors: Updates on Parsons, McLaurin, Hendrickson Amid Contract Conflicts

Contract Disputes and Trade Requests: The Uncertain Futures of Three NFL Stars

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, three star-level players—Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys, Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders, and Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals—are facing uncertain futures. All three have been seeking new deals since the end of the 2024 season, but with the preseason just around the corner, none have received a contract extension. As a result, each has requested a trade from their respective teams.

Parsons, a superstar defender for the Cowboys, officially submitted a trade request in early August after months of stalled negotiations. His decision came after frustrations over the lack of communication between his agent and the team, as well as what he perceived as negative comments about his injury history. Despite this, the Cowboys have made it clear they have no intention of trading him, though other teams are expected to reach out to gauge his availability.

McLaurin, the Commanders’ top wide receiver, also requested a trade in late July. He is seeking a deal that would pay him around $33 million per year, matching the value of D.K. Metcalf. However, the Commanders have only offered around $30 million annually. While the team has activated him off the PUP list, the move is unrelated to contract talks, and the organization has stated it has no plans to trade him.

Hendrickson, an elite pass rusher for the Bengals, has been seeking a new contract since the offseason began. He initially held out of training camp, but later reported, stating he would not play in 2025 without a new deal. The Bengals have granted him permission to seek a trade, and reports indicate that teams like the Panthers, Browns, and Colts have shown interest. Cincinnati is reportedly asking for a young defensive player and a 2026 first-round pick in exchange for Hendrickson.

Contract Negotiations and Potential Outcomes

Each of these players faces unique challenges in their contract negotiations. For Parsons, the expectation is that he will eventually sign an extension that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Current projections suggest a deal worth around $170 million over four years or $210 million over five years. The guaranteed money portion of the deal is also a key factor, with comparisons to Myles Garrett’s 77% guaranteed contract and T.J. Watt’s 88% guaranteed deal.

McLaurin, who is entering the final year of his three-year, $68 million extension, is looking for a deal north of $30 million per year. However, his age (31) complicates negotiations, as teams may be hesitant to commit long-term guarantees. Recent deals for other wide receivers, such as Tyreek Hill’s $30 million-per-year contract at age 30 and Mike Evans’ $20.5 million-per-year deal at age 31, provide some context for what McLaurin might expect.

Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks in 2024, is aiming for a deal that puts him among the top pass rushers in the league. A recent estimate suggests a three-year, $115 million contract with $100 million guaranteed could be a realistic target. However, the Bengals may push for a lower guarantee, similar to Maxx Crosby’s $91 million deal with the Raiders.

The Road Ahead

With the 2025 season fast approaching, all three players are under pressure to resolve their contract disputes. While trade requests rarely lead to actual trades, it is likely that each will either sign an extension or be dealt before Week 1. The Cowboys, Commanders, and Bengals are all navigating complex negotiations, balancing the need to keep their star players while also managing their cap space.

For now, the focus remains on the ongoing discussions and how each team will ultimately handle its star players’ demands. Whether through extensions or trades, the next few weeks will determine the future of Parsons, McLaurin, and Hendrickson.