When the media asked Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about a potential contract extension for Micah Parsons this week at the NFL owners meetings in Minnesota, Jerry did what Jerry does best: deflect with a smirk and just enough ambiguity to keep the media circus spinning.
“I haven’t talked to him in about four or five weeks,” Jones said. “He’s got a contract. Be sure and clear about that.”
That’s classic Jerry — equal parts leverage (as he sends a subtle and powerful message), deflection and showmanship. But buried under the surface of this latest soundbite is a truth most Cowboys fans already know if they read CowboysCountry.com.
The essence of the deal is there. But the deal isn’t done.
Let’s back up.
As we reported a few weeks back on CowboysCountry.com, sources say Dallas has already exchanged contract proposal numbers with Parsons. The Cowboys believe they’ve offered Micah a deal he’s willing to accept — something in the range of five years and $40 million APY, we've been told.
Structurally, it’s likely green-lit. The fifth-year option is set for 2025, and they can tag him in 2026 and 2027 if they really want to.
So what’s the holdup?
Micah’s agent is David Mulugheta of Athletes First — the same agency that worked Dak Prescott’s deal and extracted what Mike Florio once called "the best contract in NFL history."
Tyler smith athletes first athlon
He’s also the same agent that Jerry once claimed not to know by name, despite his dominance and respect in the NFL industry. ... An awfully petty form of "strategy" from Mr. Jones.
And why?
Because in negotiations like this, Mulugheta isn’t just representing Micah Parsons. He’s representing a marketplace. A client base. And his own reputation. He’s not in the business of taking “team-friendly” discounts — no matter what the player may personally prefer.
And based on several key quotes — like COO Stephen Jones stating, “Some guys want to visit … Micah likes to visit…” — it’s not hard to read between the lines. Micah has been talking. Stephen has been listening. But Micah’s agent isn’t in the room.
That’s a big deal. Because in the NFL, the deal is never done until the agent signs off. Especially when we’re talking about setting the market for defensive superstars.
Jerry knows this. He’s not scrambling. He’s not stupid. He’s leveraging every bit of control he still has — including the fifth-year option and two potential tags — which, altogether, could keep Parsons under team control through 2027 at a total value still less than what’s currently on the table.
(Note: the franchise tag value at the Edge position in 2026 and 2027 will be about $25 million)
Which is exactly why Jerry was is speaking as if he's willing to play hardball. He technically does have plenty of leverage here. But even he knows it wouldn't be wise to enter camp without his defensive captain.
So no, Jerry isn’t blameless here. But he’s also not panicking. And it’s clear: Micah may want the deal. Jerry may stress that he's already under contract. But until David Mulugheta says yes?
Nothing moves.