The situation surrounding Jerry Jones and Micah Parsons remains complex. Just two weeks prior to the Dallas Cowboys’ season opener, Jones’ stance does not appear conciliatory.
During an appearance on Michael Irvin’s podcast, Jones publicly addressed the ongoing negotiations. He recounted a private meeting with Parsons several months prior, during which Jones believed they had reached an understanding regarding a new contract for the star defensive end. However, Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, a prominent figure in the sports agent world, was not party to those discussions. Mulugheta reportedly informed Jones that he did not consider the agreement discussed between Parsons and the Cowboys owner to be valid, and according to Jones, expressed this sentiment in strong terms.
“When we considered delivering the specifics to the representative, the representative directed us to dismiss it,” Jones conveyed to Irvin, displaying a hint of amusement.
Indeed.
Jones’ public remarks about the agent are unlikely to ease the existing tension, which has shown little sign of abating. The clock is ticking as the start of the season draws near.
Micah Parsons’ situation still unresolved
Securing Parsons’ services will come at a significant cost. T.J. Watt’s extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, valued at $41 million per season, sets a benchmark that Parsons is likely to aim for. However, the current discord seems somewhat personalized, though not between the player and the team. Furthermore, the dispute does not appear to be solely about financial matters; Jones stated on Irvin’s podcast that he had offered Parsons a higher guaranteed amount than any non-quarterback in NFL history.
Jones’ discontent seems directed at Mulugheta, despite the fact that agent representation during player contract negotiations is standard practice in the NFL and other professional sports.
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“What constitutes the least significant aspect of the entire scenario we’re addressing? What is the least influential component of the overall equation? The legal counsel or the representative,” Jones inquired. “He is employed by Micah. He does not hold the primary position here, not in any sense. Not in any way. They are present to secure their commission.”
Jones’ approach seems unconventional, particularly given the risk of potentially missing his best defensive player for the season opener and possibly beyond. Agents play a vital role in negotiating deals, a function that falls squarely within their professional responsibilities. Jones has previously stated that he acquired the Cowboys based on a verbal agreement and appears to believe that Parsons should honor a similar understanding, although the two situations are not directly comparable.
If Jones remains unwilling to collaborate with the agent, and the agent refuses to acknowledge a purported verbal agreement between Parsons and Jones, the path forward for both parties remains uncertain.
When will Parsons play this season?
Throughout this process, Jones has made statements that imply possible future actions, suggesting that the situation could become even more complicated.
He alluded to Emmitt Smith’s contract holdout in 1993, which extended two games into the season before a resolution was reached. This indicates Jones’ readiness to stand firm, even if it means Parsons missing games. The 1993 Cowboys were capable of overcoming an 0-2 start, given their exceptional talent and subsequent Super Bowl victory. The 2025 Cowboys, however, may not possess the same resilience, particularly if Parsons is absent.
Jones has also hinted at the possibility of using the franchise tag, perhaps even twice, on Parsons, similar to what he did with quarterback Dak Prescott. While this would provide Parsons with two lucrative one-year contracts, his preference is for a long-term agreement. The franchise tag would grant the Cowboys leverage, potentially extending the negotiations for several more years. Jones has also consistently emphasized that Parsons remains under contract with the Cowboys, having participated in training camp despite the contract impasse.
Negotiations often accelerate as deadlines approach, and the Sept. 4 opener in Philadelphia represents a significant date. Parsons could theoretically sign shortly before that game and still participate, although the likelihood diminishes with each passing day. Even for an exceptional player like Parsons, competing in a regular-season game after missing all of training camp and the preseason presents a challenge.
However, Jones appears willing to risk Parsons missing some games to underscore his point. And Jones’ remarks to Irvin are not conducive to bridging the gap between the two sides.
