Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is taking a hard stance in negotiations with star pass rusher Micah Parsons, who has requested a trade. Despite assurances that the team is “in good shape” regarding contract extension talks, many believe this could be just another one of Jones’ signature sideshows.
Jones’ attempts to negotiate directly with players are seen as patronizing and impudent by some, including agent David Mulugheta, who represents Parsons. The situation has become a bruised-feeling standoff between the two parties, with both sides accusing each other of disrespect.
Parsons bears some responsibility for the situation, having allowed negotiations with Jones to get too far. His teammate Dak Prescott had a similar experience last season when he quickly shut down Jones’ attempts to negotiate directly with him and insisted on using his agent instead.
The Cowboys have given Parsons an ultimatum: show up to training camp or face severe penalties, including daily fines of $40,000 and $1.33 million for each preseason game missed. However, by choosing not to report to training camp, Parsons is exercising leverage that has limited his options.
Jones’ confidence in the negotiations seems misplaced, with some speculating that he may be miscalculating and that things could get ugly if the situation doesn’t resolve itself. With Parsons due to make $24 million this season and potentially becoming a franchise tag candidate, it’s unclear whether Jones will eventually call Mulugheta and sweeten the offer or if Parsons will cave under pressure.
Ultimately, only time will tell how this standoff between Jerry Jones and Micah Parsons plays out, but for now, Cowboys fans are left sleeping with one eye open.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6539495/2025/08/07/micah-parsons-jerry-jones-hold-in-dont-lose-sleep