The behind-the-scenes drama before Cowboys traded Micah Parsons

There were seemingly two sides to the Micah Parsons blockbuster that went down Thursday.

The star pass rusher’s trade from the Cowboys to the Packers ended months of public bickering over his contract, which reached its zenith during a contentious training camp in Dallas.

But there was more than meets the eye going on, according to one NFL insider.

“Parsons isn’t for everyone,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote on X. “Dak [Prescott], CeeDee [Lamb], Zack Martin were wildly popular in the locker room when they went thru contract disputes. It’s different, for better/worse, with Micah.”

That was on display during training camp.

Parsons reported to camp and participated in walkthroughs and workouts but did not practice or suit up for preseason games.

Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys stands for the National anthem. Getty Images

He did, however, eat nachos and rest on a medical table in a bizarre scene at Dallas’ preseason finale in Atlanta.

“He’s been GREAT in meetings, but …” Breer wrote, “When the cameras are on, or ownership is around, folks have noticed a difference in his behavior.”

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was not shy with his attempts to negotiate a contract with Parsons through the media, often sharing details of what seemingly became an acrimonious project.

Jones took shots at Parsons’ health and his agent in his signature style, and ultimately opted to ship the 26-year-old All-Pro to Green Bay in return for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones responds to a reporter’s question during an NFL football news conference. AP

Parsons got his new contract from the Packers, a record four-year, $188 million deal with $136 million guaranteed.

While Jones lauded the four years he got out of his former first-round pick, he noted Parsons’ biggest contribution may end up being leaving town, invoking the infamous 1989 Herschel Walker trade that paved the way for the early 1990s Cowboys dynasty.

“Micah Parsons did an outstanding job for us for four years, and a little bit of the way Herschel Walker may have had his greatest contribution to the Cowboys, what he brought to us when he left could be a tremendous thing for our fans and the success of this team,” Jones said.

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