A slew of major contracts for pass rushers have hit the NFL this summer. Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, and T.J. Watt all received deals that made them the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in football at the time of signing.
Next in line for a payday is Cowboys star Micah Parsons, but while many expect a deal to get done, team owner and GM Jerry Jones recently took some pointed shots at Parsons and claimed he hasn’t spoken with his agent.
Jerry Jones Takes Subtle Shot at Micah Parsons Amid Contract Talks
The Dallas Cowboys exercised the fifth-year option on Micah Parsons’ rookie contract last offseason, giving them one more season to work out a long-term deal for the star pass rusher.
With T.J. Watt’s recent three-year, $123 million extension from the Steelers, including $108 million guaranteed, Parsons is likely aiming for a contract that exceeds that amount.
Despite the ongoing contract dispute, Parsons has been clear that he will not miss training camp because he understands his role as a team leader. Even with Parsons doing all the right things, Jerry Jones took a surprising shot at his availability during a press conference at Dallas’ training camp.
#Cowboys owner Jerry Jones randomly takes a shot at Micah Parsons, saying even if they sign him, it doesn’t mean they’ll have him, because he was hurt for 6 games last year (fact check: he only missed 4).
He then also says they made Dak Prescott the richest player in football —… pic.twitter.com/g6T8FnEEOX
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 21, 2025
“Just because we sign [Parsons], doesn’t mean we’re going to have him,” Jones said. “He was hurt six games last year.”
It was a strange comment from Jones, since the 2024-2025 season was the first time in Parsons’ four-year career that he missed more than one game. Jones claimed Parsons missed six games, but in reality, he only missed four, appearing in and starting 13 games for Dallas last season.
On top of that, when Parsons was healthy last year, he was dominant, recording 12 sacks in those 13 games. Furthermore, Jones’ statement makes it seem like Parsons was at fault for missing games, ignoring the fact that injuries are part of the sport.
Not only did Jones take a cheap shot at Parsons, but he also shockingly revealed that he has had no contact with the pass rusher’s agent during contract negotiations.
#Cowboys Owner/GM Jerry Jones when asked (by @jonmachota) if he had spoken to David Mulugheta about Micah Parsons’ contract:
“I’ve talked with people that have talked to him let’s put it like that.”
(🎥: @dallascowboys) pic.twitter.com/psU4rjD0KO
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) July 21, 2025
“I’ve talked with people that have talked to him,” Jones said. “I don’t necessarily talk to these agents.”
Jones’ comments about Parsons’ contract seem short-sighted. Parsons has been a bona fide superstar since the Cowboys drafted him in 2021. He has made three NFL All-Pro appearances in four seasons and racked up an impressive 52.5 sacks.
Not signing Parsons to a long-term deal would be a serious mistake by Jones. In fact, he might have been able to secure Parsons for a cheaper contract if he had acted before Garrett, Crosby, and Watt all signed their big deals.
Jones has faced heavy criticism in recent years for how he handled contract negotiations with star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. Parsons now looks like another player caught up in similar struggles with the Cowboys owner.
