American Football

McLaurin and Hendrickson received huge extensions, but three major contract disputes remain unresolved

DAZN

26, Aug 25

McLaurin and Hendrickson received huge extensions, but three major contract disputes remain unresolved

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Contract disputes are nothing new in the NFL. They’re viewed by many as just another step in negotiations, and a resolution is often reached before the regular season rolls around.

With Trey Hendrickson signing a new deal to raise his 2025 salary to $30 million, and Terry McLaurin earning a three-year $96 million dollar extension, I look at three of the top contract stalemates still unresolved with the new season inching ever closer.

Micah Parsons, edge rusher, Dallas Cowboys

At first, it seemed a foregone conclusion that Parsons would be extended before the 2025 season rolled around.

He has played at the highest level every season since being drafted in 2024 - producing 52.5 sacks in that four-season span - and, unlike others on this list, even reported to training camp to demonstrate his willingness to avoid an unnecessarily awkward standoff.

Then, after seemingly taking exception to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' comments about his injury , Parsons requested a trade.

The situation remains in limbo, with Parsons telling reporters recently, "My mouth is closed."

Predicted outcome

The Cowboys know Parsons' worth to the team. Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman said it best during the Monday night preseason game between the Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals when he suggested, "His leverage is that they can't win without him."

My prediction is that Parsons receives the extension he wants within the next two weeks and becomes the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Jakobi Meyers, wide receiver, Las Vegas Raiders

In 2024, Meyers eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his six-year career. Now, he wants to be paid accordingly.

Unfortunately, after meeting with team management, the two sides were unable to agree on terms for a new deal, and Meyers wants out.

The Raiders, perhaps mindful of their weak wide receiver group, and seemingly in a move to get ahead of his potential departure, signed veteran wideout Amari Cooper.

Predicted outcome

The Raiders are in the midst of a mini rebuild, have two promising rookie wide receivers in Dont'e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech on the roster, and have taken no chances by moving swiftly to add Cooper.

If they can get reasonable compensation for Meyers, a trade makes sense for both parties.

Cameron Heyward, defensive tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers

Heyward, 36, received a three-year, $45 million extension less than a year ago, but after amassing 71 tackles and eight sacks in 2024, the veteran wants more money.

The market for defensive tackles has been reset in 2025, with the Miami Dolphins' Zach Sieler, Denver Broncos' Zach Allen, and Dallas Cowboys' Osa Odighizuwa signing big-money deals.

Now, the Steelers' All-Pro wants in on the action.

Heyward recently returned to practice after holding in, providing hope that he will suit up for the Steelers' Week 1 opener against the Jets.

But after previously hinting at the possibility of missing regular-season games if contracts were not addressed, nothing is certain.

Predicted outcome

I suspect Heyward will not receive a new deal so soon after being extended, but will not miss any games.

At 36, and despite still playing at an extremely high level, time is not on his side. I cannot imagine he would be comfortable foregoing any opportunity to play at this point in his career.