The Dallas Cowboys appear poised to make NFL history as they work toward finalizing a record-breaking contract with Micah Parsons that would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.
Owner Jerry Jones has indicated that he and the three-time All-Pro edge rusher have already agreed on several parameters for the deal.
Despite this progress, a significant complication emerged when reports surfaced that Jones had been negotiating directly with Parsons, bypassing agent David Mulugheta.
Parsons addressed the situation publicly on social media with a definitive message directed at Jones.
“Facts!! David is the best and I will not be doing any deal without David Mulugheta 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 negotiation,” Parsons wrote on X.
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
The controversy gained further traction after Cowboys writer Clarence Hill Jr. criticized Jones for apparently not knowing who represents Parsons, prompting the star to step in and publicly support his agent.
Many observers questioned why Jones would attempt to circumvent standard negotiation protocols involving player representation.
However, this approach isn’t without precedent in Dallas. The organization has developed a reputation for leveraging the prestige of playing for “America’s Team” during contract talks rather than engaging in conventional negotiations.
The strategy often involves persuading players to accept a team-friendly contract spanning 5-7 years, longer than the typical 3-4-year deals seen elsewhere in the league.
Keeping it real: The #Cowboys have used this approach before, pitching players on the appeal of playing for "America’s Team" and building their brand to convince them to accept team-friendly deals with extra-long contracts—often 5, 6, or even 7 years instead of the usual 3 or 4.… https://t.co/vakTIOa97M
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 1, 2025
The downside to these extended contracts is they potentially limit the opportunity to secure another substantial payday later in their career.
While this approach has yielded mixed results, the Cowboys consistently attempt to work around agents during major contract negotiations.
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