Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, has fueled controversy surrounding the ongoing Micah Parsons contract negotiation drama, casting doubt on Parsons’ durability just as the player works to secure a new deal. This comes shortly after the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrated re-signing star edge rusher T.J. Watt to a record-setting three-year, $123 million contract, making Watt the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Watt’s deal, finalized in Pittsburgh, has sent shockwaves through Dallas, putting extra pressure on Cowboys management as they attempt to finalize an extension for Parsons.
Rising Salaries of Elite Pass Rushers Impact Dallas Cowboys’ Decisions
Watt is the third dominant pass rusher to receive a massive contract extension this season, following Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby. Each new deal has incrementally raised the market price, with Watt securing $41 million annually after Garrett set a previous benchmark at $40 million. These escalating figures mean that the Cowboys now face a larger financial commitment for Parsons than they might have if negotiations hadn’t stalled earlier in the process. Despite this, Jones’ recent public remarks suggest that the Dallas owner remains firm in his position, signaling skepticism about Parsons’ consistent availability on the field.
Jerry Jones Raises Concerns Over Parsons’ Injury History
Jones recently expressed doubts regarding Parsons’ health, highlighting the linebacker’s missed games last season as a key consideration in contract talks. Jones stated,
“Just because we sign him, doesn’t mean we’re gonna have him. He was hurt [in] six games last year. Seriously,”
illustrating his hesitation to fully commit despite Parsons’ value to the squad. Jones further referenced another high-profile contract situation involving quarterback Dak Prescott:
“I remember signing a player for the highest-paid at the position in the league, and he got knocked out two-thirds of the year. Dak Prescott. So there’s a lot of things you can think about, just as the player does, when you’re thinking about committing and guaranteeing money.”
This public airing of concerns has intensified the contract drama, with critics pointing out that Parsons only missed four games last season, not six as Jones suggested. Parsons also maintained a high level of performance despite those absences, recording 12 sacks and earning a Pro Bowl selection.
Parsons’ Commitment Contrasted with Cowboys’ Uncertainty
In contrast to Jones’ comments, Parsons has continued to participate fully in Cowboys training camp, aiming to demonstrate his readiness and commitment. His efforts represent an attempt to foster goodwill with the organization amid a climate of mistrust. Sports analyst Chris Long weighed in on the situation during his podcast Green Light, expressing disapproval of the Cowboys’ treatment of Parsons. Long rhetorically questioned,
“You’re signing the rights for your talents away for a period of four or five years in the midst of a finite window of earning, and experiencing the joys of playing pro football, and you’re going to sign with the Cowboys?”
He further criticized the franchise’s recent history by adding,
“A team that hasn’t been in the NFC Championship in almost 30 years? You talk about considerations… This isn’t how you treat your best player, at all.”
Uncertain Future as Contract Talks Loom Before 2025 Season
The balance of eagerness between Parsons and the Cowboys seems uneven, with the linebacker appearing more willing to reach an agreement than Jones. Speculation about Parsons possibly being traded has surfaced, yet there remains a general belief that the contract will eventually be finalized. The timing of this resolution is highly uncertain and could come mere weeks, days, or even hours before the start of the 2025 NFL season. The outcome will likely have significant implications for the Cowboys’ defensive strength and future roster planning.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Micah Parsons a 5 star?
A. He was highly sought after as an athlete, earning a five-star rating. According to 247Sports.com, he was the fourth in his class, while ESPN ranked him seventh.
Q. Why does Micah Parsons wear 11?
A. Wearing the number 11 jersey, Parsons paid tribute to past players while showing his commitment to carrying on Penn State football’s strong tradition.