Dak Prescott’s injury and JJ Watt’s need for a settlement amid Micah Parsons’ issues have caused the Dallas Cowboys to struggle over the summer.

The Dallas Cowboys entered the summer of 2025 with high hopes, ready to build on a successful 2024 campaign that saw them make the playoffs, but the off-season quickly became a rollercoaster of unexpected setbacks. From Dak Prescott’s injury and the ongoing issues surrounding Micah Parsons, to J.J. Watt’s demand for a settlement that created friction within the organization, the Cowboys have faced a host of challenges that threaten to derail their promising future. With the new NFL season on the horizon, the Cowboys now find themselves in a difficult position, struggling to maintain the momentum they had hoped to build during the offseason.

This summer’s turmoil has cast a shadow over the franchise, with major questions about player health, contract negotiations, and leadership all emerging as significant obstacles. While the team has had its fair share of success in recent years, the injury to Prescott and the unresolved tensions surrounding Parsons and Watt have made it difficult for the Cowboys to find their footing. The ripple effects of these issues are affecting team dynamics, organizational stability, and the overall mood in Dallas as the 2025 NFL season approaches.

Dak Prescott’s Injury: A Setback to the Cowboys’ Offensive Plans

When Dak Prescott, the leader of the Cowboys’ offense, went down with an injury in early June, it sent shockwaves through the organization. Prescott, who had led the Cowboys to several playoff appearances in the past few seasons, was expected to be the cornerstone of the offense in 2025. The injury, which occurred during a routine offseason workout, raised immediate concerns about Prescott’s ability to be ready for the regular season. Though the severity of the injury initially seemed minor, the recovery process has been slower than anticipated, leading to fears that Prescott might not be fully healthy by the time the Cowboys take the field in Week 1.

Reports of Prescott’s injury ranged from reports of a sprained shoulder to a more severe rotator cuff issue, which would require extensive rehabilitation and therapy. While there has been no official confirmation of the specifics of the injury, the fact remains that Prescott’s absence has left a major void in the Cowboys’ offense. Without Prescott at full strength, the team’s hopes of building a high-powered passing attack under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore are in jeopardy.

The injury has forced backup quarterbacks to take on an increased role in training camp, but the Cowboys know that no one can truly replicate what Prescott brings to the table. Cooper Rush, Prescott’s backup, has shown flashes of competence when called upon in the past, but he’s nowhere near the level of Prescott in terms of arm strength, leadership, and the ability to operate the offense at a high level. The Cowboys’ struggles on offense are already showing in practice as Rush and others have been unable to move the ball with the same precision or confidence that Prescott does.

Moreover, the injury has placed additional pressure on the offensive line and the Cowboys’ running backs, particularly Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, who were expected to play critical roles in maintaining balance on offense. The Cowboys have struggled with consistency in the run game, and with Prescott’s status uncertain, the burden has fallen on the running backs to keep the offense afloat. If Prescott cannot get back to full health in time, it could dramatically affect the Cowboys’ playoff hopes in 2025.

Micah Parsons’ Contract Dispute and Its Impact on Team Chemistry

Another headache for the Cowboys this summer has been the unresolved contract dispute involving Micah Parsons, one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players. Parsons, who was selected as the Cowboys’ 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, has become the heart of their defense, earning recognition as one of the most feared pass rushers in the league. The young linebacker has quickly developed into a cornerstone for the Cowboys’ defense, and many consider him the future of the franchise.

However, as Parsons enters the final year of his rookie contract, the Cowboys have found themselves in a precarious situation. Parsons has made it clear that he wants to be paid as one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. With his rising stock and proven ability, he has a strong case to demand a lucrative extension. Unfortunately, contract negotiations have dragged on through the summer, leaving both sides at an impasse. Parsons, frustrated with the lack of progress, has been vocal in his desire for a new deal, and some reports suggest that the tension between him and the Cowboys’ front office has created rifts in the locker room.

The situation with Parsons has raised questions about the Cowboys’ long-term strategy. While they have the salary cap space to make him one of the highest-paid players in the league, the prolonged contract dispute has left the defense in limbo. Parsons is integral to the Cowboys’ defensive success, and his absence from practice due to contract-related issues has hurt team chemistry. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has struggled to adjust his defensive schemes without Parsons in the fold, and the uncertainty surrounding his future with the team has made it difficult to plan for the upcoming season.

As much as the Cowboys would like to focus on winning games, the unresolved contract talks and the possibility of Parsons holding out for a bigger contract have become a distraction. Not only does this leave a gap in the defense, but it also raises questions about the team’s ability to lock down future talent if they can’t resolve the issues with one of their most important players.

J.J. Watt’s Settlement Request: A Twist in the Cowboys’ Offseason Drama

The Dallas Cowboys’ offseason drama took another unexpected turn when J.J. Watt, the former All-Pro defensive end and future Hall of Famer, reportedly sought a settlement after a series of tensions within the organization. Watt had been brought in to provide veteran leadership to the Cowboys’ defense and add a proven pass rusher to their ranks. However, things have not gone according to plan.

Watt, who has spent the past few years contemplating retirement, was initially drawn to the Cowboys because of the opportunity to contribute to a playoff-contending team. But over the summer, sources indicated that Watt had grown frustrated with the lack of clarity surrounding his role on the defense. The presence of Parsons and other key defensive players meant Watt’s snap counts were reduced, and he didn’t feel like he was being utilized in the best way possible. This led to tension with both the coaching staff and the front office, and Watt reportedly became unhappy with the contract terms and his usage on the field.

In what appeared to be a dramatic turn of events, Watt began seeking a settlement with the Cowboys, claiming that the franchise had misrepresented his role and failed to fulfill certain promises made when he signed with the team. His grievances, whether legitimate or not, added fuel to the fire that was already burning in the Cowboys’ locker room. As a result, the Cowboys were forced to deal with the fallout from Watt’s complaints, including the possibility that his time in Dallas might come to an early and messy end. The tension surrounding Watt and the unresolved contract issues further complicated an already volatile summer for the Cowboys.

With Watt’s future uncertain, the Cowboys’ defense has become even more unstable. Watt’s veteran presence was supposed to be a stabilizing force, but the lack of resolution on his situation has created more uncertainty within the defensive ranks. It’s also left the Cowboys with a dilemma: if Watt is not going to be a part of the team, the front office must find another way to address their pass-rushing needs. This could result in further turmoil for the defense and additional challenges for Dan Quinn, who had hoped to rely on Watt as a mentor to younger players.

Team Struggles and the Road Ahead

As the Cowboys’ summer of uncertainty continues, the franchise faces a critical moment in its history. With Prescott’s injury casting doubt on the offense, Parsons’ contract dispute creating locker room tension, and Watt’s potential exit adding yet another layer of turmoil, the Cowboys are struggling to maintain a cohesive approach as they prepare for the season.

The 2025 season is pivotal for the Cowboys, and how they respond to these challenges will determine whether they can remain competitive in the NFC East and beyond. There’s still time for these issues to be resolved, but with the NFL season fast approaching, the pressure is mounting for the Cowboys’ front office, coaching staff, and players to find answers.

For Dak Prescott, the focus will be on getting back to full health. His leadership and skill set are indispensable to the Cowboys’ chances of success, and without him at full strength, the offense will be limited. Micah Parsons’ contract situation needs to be resolved sooner rather than later, as the defense will suffer without its star player in the fold. And as for J.J. Watt, it’s unclear whether he will remain a part of the team, but the Cowboys need a resolution to his situation as well, to avoid further disruptions.

While the Dallas Cowboys have the talent to compete at a high level, the off-season drama and internal struggles could jeopardize their chances for success. As the NFL season looms large, the pressure is on the Cowboys to overcome these obstacles and get their ship back on course before it’s too late.