Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Comments on Micah Parsons Contract Drama

By Jason Bolton August 24, 2025 09:06

Jerry Jones, owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, has publicly addressed the ongoing contract drama involving star linebacker Micah Parsons, clarifying the team’s position and responding candidly to frustrations that have emerged amid stalled negotiations. As the Cowboys’ 2025 season opener approaches, the spotlight remains on the negotiations, which have not produced a new deal despite agreement in principle on money and contract length.

Speaking on Michael Irvin’s YouTube channel, Jones insisted that he and Parsons had effectively agreed on the terms of the deal months ago. “Nobody has ever offered him more money than I have to play football. Period,” Jones said emphatically. He described the proposed deal as the richest ever for a non-quarterback in NFL history, with guaranteed money approaching $200 million a sum that would surpass the current record held by Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns at $123.5 million guaranteed.

Jones placed significant blame on Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, for the contract not being finalized. “When we wanted to send the details to the agent, the agent told us to stick it up our ass. Just so you’re clear,” Jones stated bluntly. He maintained that Mulugheta has been the primary obstacle, attempting to renegotiate terms after Jones believed all material aspects were settled directly with Parsons.

Parsons requested a trade earlier in August and publicly accused Jones of negotiating behind his back without agent involvement. However, Jones countered that Parsons himself agreed to contract length, guaranteed money, and total package in a March meeting without his agent present. “I am the cat that writes the check. Micah’s got three years with the Cowboys left,” Jones said. “At some point, somebody has to have the say over the other. At some point, it has to be that way.”

Despite the public tension, Jones reaffirmed that Parsons will play the upcoming season on his fifth-year option worth $21.324 million and that the Cowboys retain control through potential franchise tags for 2026 and 2027. “We couldn’t reach an agreement, so Dak [Prescott] played the final year of his contract, and then we franchised him,” Jones noted, referencing the precedent set by the Cowboys’ quarterback.

The Cowboys' head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, expressed confidence that Parsons would be on the field for the Cowboys' opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, though the linebacker has participated more in meetings and walkthroughs than in-field practice due to the ongoing contract situation.

Parsons’ on-field value is undeniable. Since entering the league, he has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier defensive players, posting elite pass-rush statistics and earning multiple Pro Bowl nods. His presence anchors the Cowboys’ defense, making the resolution of the contract impasse critical to Dallas’s aspirations.

Jones wrapped up his comments with a message underscoring his commitment to winning while managing financial prudence. “I’m always prepared to do what is necessary,” he said. “It’s about doing it as wisely as possible. We currently have several elite players, and we must be prudent with how we distribute that funding.”

As the contract saga continues, the stakes remain high not just for Parsons and Jones but for the Cowboys as a franchise striving to balance player compensation, cap management, and championship ambitions. With training camp underway and the regular season imminent, all eyes will remain on how this high-profile negotiation concludes.