Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has stirred controversy again — this time by dismissing the role of Micah Parsons’ agent during ongoing contract talks. His comments weren’t just brushed off as business as usual. They lit up social media, drew a response from Parsons himself, and prompted a calm but firm reply from the agent in question.
Jerry Jones Shows ‘Blatant Disrespect’ to Micah Parsons’ Agent
During a recent media appearance, Jones was asked about contract negotiations with Parsons, one of the league’s top young defensive players. The Cowboys are reportedly working toward a long-term extension for the All-Pro linebacker, but Jones made it clear he doesn’t see much value in dealing with agents.
“The agent is not a factor here or something to worry about,” Jones said. That alone might not have caused much of a stir. But what came next did.
“And I don’t know his name,” Jones added.
That name is David Mulugheta—a veteran agent widely respected around the league. He was behind Deshaun Watson’s fully guaranteed $230 million deal with the Cleveland Browns, one of the most high-profile contracts in NFL history.
Jones didn’t back down. He said he plans to negotiate directly with Parsons and believes that bypassing the agent is in everyone’s best interest.
“Anybody can do this, and that’s talk directly to a player,” Jones said. “And, frankly, most people that negotiate [with] me will tell you that it was better off.”
Jerry Jones says he doesn’t worry about agents in contract talks. He’s been having conversations directly with Micah Parsons about his next deal. He said Micah is one of a very few people who have his cell phone number pic.twitter.com/DCORGH7z7v
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 1, 2025
Parsons Backs His Agent, Mulugheta Responds Calmly
Parsons didn’t stay quiet. Shortly after Jones’ comments went public, he took to social media to voice his support for Mulugheta and shut down any idea of sidestepping him in future talks.
“David is the best and I will not be doing any deal without [him] involved!” Parsons posted. “Like anyone with good sense I hired experts for a reason. There is no one I trust more when it comes to negotiating contracts than David! There will be no backdoors in this contract negotiation.”
Facts!! David is the best and I will not be doing any deal without @DavidMulugheta involved! Like anyone with good sense I hired experts for a reason. There is no one I trust more when it comes to negotiating contracts than David! There will be no backdoors in this contract… https://t.co/nxKNSIXLvt
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) April 1, 2025
Mulugheta responded with more diplomacy than heat. Texting Pro Football Talk, he kept the focus on Parsons.
“I agree with Jerry — it’s never been about me,” Mulugheta said. “The only person that matters here is Micah, and, at the end of the day, our goal is for Micah to be able to do for generations of Parsons what Jerry has done for generations of Jones.”
David Mulugheta responds to Jerry Jones’ comments yesterday about not knowing his name and dealing directly with Micah Parsons, via Mike Florio of @ProFootballTalk:
“I agree with Jerry—it’s never been about me. The only person that matters here is Micah, and, at the end of the… https://t.co/PBOsJuobRw
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) April 2, 2025
The Cowboys still have time before the season starts in September, but it’s clear the road to a deal won’t be smooth. Whether Jones adjusts his stance or the tension grows remains to be seen — but the message from Parsons is loud and clear: his agent isn’t going anywhere.