Jerry Jones Discusses Micah Parsons’ Contract Negotiations

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shared an intriguing analogy while discussing the ongoing contract negotiations with superstar pass-rusher Micah Parsons. In an interview aired on Friday's episode of ESPN's Get Up, Jones compared the negotiation dynamics to a familiar family scenario involving a clever child negotiating between parents.

Jones explained, "In the spirit of not doing the old mother-dad deal... How many times have you seen the little rascal so clever going there and mama told them, 'Uh-uh, you're not gonna get it.' And goes into daddy who only sees him after 5 in the afternoon, wants to love him and says, 'You can have it, son. You can have that before dinner.'" He emphasized his determination not to fall for such tactics in the negotiations with Parsons, asserting, "I'm not going for that s--t here."

Despite the tension, Jones indicated that negotiations with Parsons have been productive, describing them as a "very, very strong negotiation". Parsons, who is entering the final year of his contract, has been a hold-in since early August, participating in meetings but opting out of practice.

Earlier this month, Parsons expressed his frustrations via a lengthy post on X, making a public request for a trade, while critiquing the Cowboys’ approach to his contract negotiations. However, Jones downplayed the request, calling it just a tactic in negotiations.

While this offseason has seen numerous leading pass-rushers securing substantial contracts, with players like Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt receiving major extensions, the Cowboys have made a significant offer to Parsons that would have positioned him as the highest-paid guaranteed player outside of quarterbacks. Yet, reports indicate that Parsons' agent, David Mulugheta, responded unfavorably to the contract proposal.

ESPN's Ryan Clark later reached out to Mulugheta, who denied having made any derogatory remarks regarding the offer. Regardless, the relationship between Parsons and the Cowboys appears to be under strain as the start of the regular season approaches.

Parsons has emerged as one of the NFL's top pass-rushers since being drafted 12th overall in 2021, notching 52.5 sacks, earning four Pro Bowl selections, and securing two First Team All-Pro honors. He is one of only two players in NFL history to achieve at least 12 sacks in each of their first four seasons, alongside Hall of Famer Reggie White.

In the 2022 season, Parsons led the Cowboys with 12 sacks, while no other teammate exceeded 5.5. This raises concerns for the Cowboys’ defense, especially if Parsons continues his holdout or succeeds in pushing for a trade as the crucial season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles looms on September 4.