The Washington Commanders have been no strangers to dysfunction over the last two decades. Things are completely different now, so there's a sense of satisfaction when the same misfortune is transpiring with arguably their most bitter rival.
Jerry Jones is receiving yet more criticism for his handling of the Dallas Cowboys' team affairs. This is nothing new for the owner/general manager in recent years. Fortunately for him, there's nobody above the billionaire tyrant to relieve him of his duties.
Another ongoing debacle reached new levels of frustration for Cowboys fans this week. It centered on the ongoing contract saga between the franchise and All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, which is rapidly descending into chaos.
Reports revealed that the Cowboys had made an offer to make Parsons the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The former first-round pick out of Penn State verbally accepted the terms, but Jones went about his business to reach this point unconventionally.
He even broke NFL rules along the way.
Cowboys' ongoing Micah Parsons dysfunction is great news for the Commanders
Jones confirmed he cut out the middleman — agent David Mulugheta — when speaking to Parsons about a lucrative extension. According to the collective bargaining agreement, any contract negotiations must go through an NFLPA-approved representative of the player, unless they are representing themselves. That's not the case in this instance.
Instead of brushing off the rumors, Jones elaborated on them. He's writing the checks and Parsons is cashing them, so he didn't feel the need for outside involvement. The Cowboys haven't spoken to Mulugheta, one of the most respected up-and-coming agents in the business, since the NFL Scouting Combine.
Just a bizarre way to handle what's rapidly become a delicate situation.
If that wasn't enough, Jones completely disrespected Mulugheta, claiming he didn't know his name when discussing the situation. This sentiment was echoed by Parsons, who slammed Dallas' ignorance on social media.
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 Cowboys needed to provide some semblance of stability this offseason to keep pace with the Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles. After a relatively mundane recruitment period by the team's typically dramatic standards, Jones has reverted to type.
All this proves is how stubborn Jones is and how light years behind the Cowboys are from entering NFC East championship consideration.
That's great news for the Commanders, who've moved with more professionalism and purpose than ever this offseason in pursuit of going one better next time around.
Josh Harris, Adam Peters, and Dan Quinn have an aligned vision for the future. They are stopping at nothing to achieve their goals, which now include maximizing quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie deal after a first season for the ages.
That's a far cry from how things are unfolding in Dallas. Jones's mismanagement of team affairs shows no signs of slowing down. He still believes he's the smartest guy in the room with no consideration for the repercussions that could emerge from handling deals in this manner. That's the definition of an egotist.
The Commanders are on the up. Dallas' self-implosion is only going to help their chances.
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