Rams may have done more than just practice against Micah Parsons

"The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" is a common saying that describes how situations and circumstances elsewhere can seem more appealing. The Los Angeles Rams understand that fully and use that optical illusion to their advantage to navigate difficult player conflicts or contract negotiations.

Players who are unhappy with the roles on the team are permitted to seek a better deal elsewhere. If no trade is an option, the team will outright release the player. If that player is quarterback Matthew Stafford, the player has the opportunity to see what other teams are offering, compare that to what the Rams are offering, and then make an informed decision.

Not all NFL teams are so willing to give players that level of latitude. Take the scenario that is unfolding between the Dallas Cowboys and star OLB Micah Parsons. Thanks to mishandling and miscommunication, the two sides have reached an impasse, by which Parsons is now demanding to be traded.

How does LA avoid that level of disharmony? Even when the team must trade away a player, they involve the player to ensure he is comfortable with where he will end up, even if that means the Rams get short-changed in the compensation.

But it's merely an investment in player relations, one that often pans out in the future.

Micah Parsons already looks like he's getting along with his potential new Rams teammates...

I could run down the laundry list of players who arrived downtrodden and disrespected, and left with a renewed passion for the game, and a newfound level of respect. Whether it was DT A'Shawn Robinson, QB Baker Mayfield, DB Jaylen Ramsey, QB Carson Wentz, or recent free agent signing Davante Adams, the story is the same.

Every player who arrives immediately feels valued and respected. Even Davante Adams made it obvious why he chose LA.

Sometimes, it's simply a matter of respect. And that brings us back to the grass is always greener thought. To other players, the Horns have an ideal culture of mutual respect, passion for football, and a boyish level of enjoyment. While Rams players are grinning from ear to ear and whooping it up, the other sideline has to see all that fun and wish they had a chance to play on the team.

While the Cowboys engaged the Rams on the football field in practice and in the scrimmage game, the disgruntled star was in street clothes, attending the day's event but not participating in football-related activities.

But at one point in the day, both Trevon Diggs and Parsons held a rather lengthy conversation with Rams veteran wide receiver Davante Adams. While the conversation could have covered any ground, one logical reason to speak with Adams is to get his insider's perspective on how things are going for him.

And that conversation took a positive spin when Jared Verse showed up and introduced himself to Parsons. It was the type of exchange you might expect between friends or teammates, and not between rival players from different teams:

NFL rumors have gone viral because Parsons once said he'd love to play for Washington Commanders HC Dan Quinn again. Similarly, a mere mention from Parsons that he'd love to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers someday created a new wave of NFL rumors.

So watching the 26-year-old network openly with Rams players gets the same open-minded predictions as well. Yes, he remains under contract with the Cowboys. But if he continues to sit out when the regular season begins, how much resolve does Dallas have to let him test their patience?

The Cowboys know that the clock is ticking. The Rams have time on their side. And there may be another reason in the Rams' favor, as you will soon see.

As always, thanks for reading.

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