The last time Cowboys owner and General Manager Jerry Jones was asked about linebacker Micah Parsons, his response was rather brief. However, during a recent appearance on Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin’s podcast, Jones provided a more in-depth discussion regarding the Parsons contract situation. This time, he offered a candid insight that has sparked considerable interest.
Jones made headlines with his remarks, notably stating, “When we wanted to send the details to the agent, the agent told us to stick it up our ass,” as reported by Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News. This comment drew attention not only for its bluntness but also for the implications it carries regarding negotiations. In response, Parsons's agent, David Mulugheta of Athletes First, acknowledged Jones's comment but declined to elaborate further.
Later, Jones attempted to clarify his statement. He explained, “We were going to send it over to the agent, and the agent said don’t bother because we’ve got all that to negotiate.” He further emphasized that he had already made concessions during negotiations, implying frustration with the agent's involvement. However, it is essential to note that the agent’s role is to advocate for the player, which underscores the complexity of the situation.
Despite Jerry Jones's tendency to negotiate directly with players, it is crucial to recognize that Parsons has an exclusive representative for all contractual discussions. This means that any agreements Jones believes he has made with Parsons are not officially binding without the agent's approval. Therefore, if Jones aims to formalize the terms of a contract he feels he negotiated directly with Parsons, he is operating outside the standard practices of NFL negotiations.
As the situation unfolds, it appears that Jerry Jones is strategically planning for the future. He seems to be contemplating restructuring Parsons's contract through the 2025 season, potentially paying him $24 million under the fifth-year option and possibly utilizing the franchise tag once or twice. “We really have three years to work this out,” Jones mentioned during the podcast, drawing parallels to his previous dealings with Dak Prescott.
Jones’s approach contrasts sharply with the experiences of players like Ezekiel Elliott and CeeDee Lamb, both of whom secured their contracts without completing their rookie deals, primarily due to holdouts. Parsons, however, has not chosen to hold out, leading to what appears to be a game of hardball from Jones. The Cowboys owner seems to be betting that Parsons will ultimately choose to play in 2025 for the $24 million rather than risk injury during a hold-in.
This strategy could prove beneficial for Jones in multiple ways. If Parsons and Mulugheta agree to the contract Jones believes he negotiated, it would be a significant win for the Cowboys. Conversely, if Parsons ends up playing for only $24 million in 2025, when the market for his position has surged to $41 million per year, that would also favor Jones financially. Furthermore, if Parsons opts not to play, and the Cowboys struggle during the season, Jones could shift blame onto Parsons while keeping the team in the spotlight.
As we look ahead, the next few weeks will be critical in determining which path Parsons will take. Whether he chooses Door No. 1, Door No. 2, or Door No. 3, it's clear that Jerry Jones's strategic maneuvers are aimed at advancing his interests within the realm of NFL negotiations.
