Cowboys Issued Warning on Possible NFL Holdout & Not the One Fans Expect

It would not be an NFL offseason without some sort of dispute between a Dallas Cowboys star and the franchise over their contract. Yet, a unique situation is developing around the NFL, and Dallas could be impacted.

Much has been made about Micah Parsons’ future in Big D, and the situation does not appear any closer to a possible resolution. Now, the Cowboys may need to monitor another player who has yet to suit up for Dallas.

Many second-round picks are in a standoff with NFL teams over potential guaranteed money in their rookie deals. Rookie pass rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku, one of these second-round selections, has yet to sign his contract with the Cowboys.

The Dallas Morning News’ Joseph Hoyt referenced ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s report on Los Angeles Chargers wideout Tre Harris remaining unsigned and added that Ezeiuaku’s situation is worth monitoring as well.

“A situation to potentially monitor with Cowboys second round DE Donovan Ezeiruaku, as well,” Hoyt explained in a July 12, 2025, message on X. “Other second round picks want fully guaranteed deals, too, after the Browns and Texans set new precedents with LB Carson Schwesinger and Jayden Higgins. Many remain unsigned.”

The NFL Is in Danger of Seeing a Massive Amount of Holdouts From Second-Round Picks

For context, Schefter reported that “an inordinate amount of second-round picks” may not show up for the start of training camp. It appears to be an outlier situation developing between NFL franchises and 2025 second-round selections after some players received guaranteed deals.

“With Chargers rookies reporting today, there still is no deal for second-round pick Tre Harris,” Schefter explained in a July 12, message on X. “There’s still time before practices, but the NFL could have an inordinate amount of second-round picks not showing up to the start of camp this year due to disagreements over guaranteed money.”

Cowboys Rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku: ‘I Have Full Faith That They’re Gonna Get That Done’

For Ezeiruaku’s part, the defensive end has not indicated that he plans to holdout. Back in June, the rookie emphasized that he has “full faith” that his deal will get done.

“I’m here doing what I have to do every single day,” Ezeiruaku told reporters on June 10, per The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “That’s between the organization and my agent.

“I have full faith that they’re gonna get that done. When it’s ready, it’ll be ready and I’ll sign that piece of paper.”

Questions Surround Micah Parsons’ Future With the Cowboys

All signs point to Ezeiruaku’s situation eventually working itself out, even if the second rounder misses some practices. The bigger question is when Dallas will sign Parsons to a lucrative contract extension. Dallas is known for waiting until training camp to get these deals done.

“Parsons did not attend organized team activities but was in attendance for mandatory minicamp,” The Athletic’s Jon Machota detailed in a July 8, story titled, “Tua Tagovailoa, Micah Parsons and one player contract worth watching for every NFL team.” “He has said that he will be in California for the start of training camp whether or not a new deal has been reached. However, he did not confirm if he would be doing on-field work without a new contract.

“It seems likely that he will not participate if that’s the case. With Dallas being in the first year with a new head coach and largely new coaching staff, it seems to be in everyone’s best interest for Parsons and the Cowboys to get something worked out before the first camp practice, which is scheduled for July 22.”