The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in another contract controversy that feels entirely avoidable. Micah Parsons, one of the NFL’s most explosive defenders and a three-time All-Pro linebacker, is still waiting for his extension.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys chose to prioritize tight end Jake Ferguson instead, handing him a four-year, $52 million deal. The decision has left fans scratching their heads and Jerry Jones facing criticism from across the league.
Why Did Jerry Jones Pay Jake Ferguson Before Micah Parsons?
Ferguson has proven himself a steady contributor since Dallas drafted him in 2022. With his rookie contract expiring, the Cowboys quickly secured him with a four-year extension worth $52 million, including $30 million guaranteed, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
However, the timing couldn’t be worse given Parsons’ contract situation. Despite four dominant seasons, 52.5 career sacks, and three All-Pro selections, the star linebacker remains without a long-term deal.
The stark contrast between Ferguson’s swift extension and the ongoing delay with Parsons has created a public relations disaster for the franchise.
NFL fans aren’t holding back their frustration with Jones’ controversial approach.
“But Micha has to wait? What a joke of an owner,” a fan wrote.
But Micha has to wait? What a joke of a owner
— Find Your Peace (@49ers_battlerap) July 27, 2025
“So they’ll extend Ferguson easily but not even bother having talks with Micah?” one fan questioned.
“Feel like Jerry is trolling Micah at this point,” another fan wrote.
This pattern isn’t new for the Cowboys organization. The franchise took similar approaches with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, eventually paying both players in late August or early September. While Parsons’ extension could follow the same timeline, fans have grown tired of these drawn-out negotiations.
“The Jones family is retarded lmao,” a user wrote.
The Jones family is retarded lmao https://t.co/2ojraIc50U
— 🤷♂️ (@FUCKTHEJONESFAM) July 27, 2025
“Jake getting paid before micah is crazy work,” a fan commented.
“YAY HAPPY FOR FERG BUT NOW PAY MICAH AND STOP PLAYIN,” urged one fan.
How Much Will This Delay Cost the Cowboys?
The criticism extends beyond angry fans. Analysts have called Jones’ approach “dumb and unnecessary,” pointing out that every passing day makes Parsons more expensive.
With defensive stars like T.J. Watt, Maxx Crosby, and Myles Garrett already securing market-setting contracts, Parsons’ price tag has climbed from the mid-30 million to past $40 million. The cost will likely increase further as Trey Hendrickson, who has recorded 17 sacks in back-to-back seasons, is also seeking a major deal from the Cincinnati Bengals.
This situation perfectly captures the Cowboys’ ongoing struggle with contract management. While Ferguson’s extension makes sense as a football decision, the optics are terrible when their franchise cornerstone remains unsigned. Cowboys fans can only wonder what Jones is thinking by continuing to delay what seems inevitable.
