In a surprising turn of events, Micah Parsons has made a trade request, prompting speculation about his future with the Dallas Cowboys. In defiance of Parsons’ desperate pleas, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doubled down on his insistence that he wouldn’t trade the star linebacker. In a press conference earlier this month, Jones unequivocally stated that he would not entertain any trade proposals for Parsons. He describes Parsons as a “great man” and “great American.”
Parsons, who missed training camp with back tightness, expressed his displeasure with how his contract negotiations have gone thus far. This moment became a firestorm as he stood up to raise his concerns. Jones further answered that since the request to Parsons was made, he had not discussed it with Parsons. He was adamant that the organization is focused on creating the most competitive team, without burning bridges.
Jones noted that he and Parsons had settled on a deal as early as March. This points to the nuances in negotiations around these contracts. He pointed out that throughout his career, he has successfully negotiated contracts with many star players, stating, “I’ve done contracts with star players over the years by the double handful.”
Between that adjustment and Parsons’ sheer brilliance, Parsons has harvested the attention of fans and media alike. This explosion of interest followed immediately after quarterback Dak Prescott’s $60 million per year agreement that was signed just hours before last season’s opening game. Jones indicated that while he values Parsons greatly—saying, “I think the world of Micah”—he understands that negotiations can be challenging.
When asked about the grinding contract negotiations in that 16-minute press availability, Jones went deep. Yet, he cautioned, these discussions are difficult and contentious by their nature. So there is constant back and forth, and the back and forth is to field the strongest team possible,” he said. And oftentimes it’s not even a matter of ‘deserving.’ … I love Micah. But as like always in any relationships there’s different phases at different times of your relationship.
Parsons’ comments are an escalation of a trend of increasing exasperation with the process. He stated, “Unfortunately I no longer want to be here,” highlighting a desire for clarity and respect in negotiations. It’s his agent’s policy to have him on speaker when they talk. He further railed against the one-sided media narrative on his injuries, his so-called “commitment” to the team.
Jones accepted Parsons’ objections, but insisted that he’d put a big enough offer on the table during their last conversation. “What y’all don’t know is what I offered him, and it’s a helluva lot more than you think I did,” he remarked. This phrase helps emphasize Jones’ point that he has given Parsons a very reasonable offer throughout the negotiating process.
Parsons is officially on the mend from his back injury that has held him out of nine training camp practices. All of that healing comes with speculation increasing about his availability when the team opens the season against the Philadelphia Eagles. When questioned about Parsons’ status for the game on September 4, Jones refrained from providing a definitive answer, saying, “I don’t want to talk about my expectations.”
That’s why I think it’s important to come to mutual agreement when amending our existing contract. That’s what Jones stressed was needed in this moment. If we’re going to do this and create a vehicle to do so, I have to feel comfortable with those amendments.
The Cowboys’ management is under pressure to maintain team morale while addressing Parsons’ needs. The organization has made it clear that they value his contributions on the field but must navigate the complexities of contract negotiations in a competitive sports environment.
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