What has surprised Jerry Jones the most about ongoing Micah Parsons contract drama
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shed some light on his negotiations with Micah Parsons after the All-Pro defender requested a trade last Friday due to a lack of communication on an extension.
During Cowboys’ training camp Tuesday, Jones explained he and Parsons reached a deal in theory, saying he negotiated with a handshake and eye contact — however, nothing was put in writing.
“I bought the Dallas Cowboys with a handshake,” Jones told NFL Network’s Jane Slater. “It took about 30 seconds. And I gave the number, shook hands, the details we worked out later. As a matter of fact, one of the details involved a lot of money and we had to flip a coin over that.
“But the fundamental, ‘I’m buying and you’re gonna sell it to me for that range,’ that’s done. And those are done with eye contact and handshake. Just so you understand the way that I communicate with people that I negotiate with. So, let’s leave it at that.
“There’s is no question that in the case of a player contract, you have to have it in writing. All parties do. We have a contract in writing, yet we’re still talking about renegotiating it, so so much for that.”
In his trade request, Parsons explained that the two sides haven’t talked since the four-time Pro Bowler had an informal conversation with Jones in March — which Parsons said was about leadership before things took a turn when Jones brought up his contract.
“Again, there is [no sticking point], there are points of varying degrees of influence in not having something done but nothing that I wouldn’t say is out of the ordinary,” Jones said of the situation.
When asked if there is a date on the calendar to get a Parsons deal done, Jones laughed and said, “No, not at all.”
Slater mentioned that last year CeeDee Lamb’s deal came to fruition Aug. 27, followed by Dak Prescott on Sept. 10.
“I had not looked at the proximity of those dates at all,” Jones said. “But you know, it takes two to make these things go. And I think everyone appreciates that.”
Jones added that he doesn’t mind the press amid his headline spree over the Parsons saga.
“I enjoy the people and men and women of the press,” Jones said. “… We’re brothers and sister really — now we don’t treat each other that way when we get the criticism going. But that’s OK too … All of this is a part of sport, I’ve always believed that … I’m enjoying the whole show. I don’t know if I worked a day in my life since I bought the Cowboys.”
Parsons attended the Cowboys’ joint practice with the Rams on Tuesday, but did not participate.
He also did not interact with Jones, and the two have not talked since Parsons requested a trade last Friday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Jones said Tuesday that he’s not confident his star linebacker would play Sept. 4 when Dallas kicks off the 2025 season on the road against the Eagles.
Parsons has reported to training camp despite the drama.
He would face a daily fine of $50,000 if he is not present.
Credit to Nypost AND Peoples
