On September 2, Adam Schefter, ESPN Senior NFL Insider and the host of theAdam Schefter Podcast, posted on X that Micah Parsons never planned to sit out the 2025 season. According to Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, the star linebacker would have played for the Dallas Cowboys in Thursday’s opener against the Eagles if he hadn’t been traded to the Green Bay Packers the previous week. He shared,
Micah Parsons never planned to sit out this season and would have played for the Cowboys in Thursday’s opener against the Eagles if he had not been traded to the Packers last week, his agent David Mulugheta told ESPN’s “First Take” on Tuesday.
Micah Parsons never planned to sit out this season and would have played for the Cowboys in Thursday’s opener against the Eagles if he had not been traded to the Packers last week, his agent David Mulugheta told ESPN’s “First Take” on Tuesday.https://t.co/yLkCre8Pcw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 2, 2025
Micah Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, clarified onESPN’sFirst Take that Parsons never intended to sit out the 2025 NFL season. He would have played in the Dallas Cowboys’ season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles had he not been traded to the Green Bay Packers last week. Mulugheta emphasized that the Cowboys were never informed that Parsons would not play, stating, “Never,” and added, “Micah loves the game too much. He was going to play no matter what.”
Parsons’ first choice was always to remain with the Cowboys. Mulugheta noted that Parsons grew up cheering for the Cowboys and wore their colors at Penn State and in the NFL. The agent said they did everything they could to keep him in Dallas.
However, contract negotiations became a point of contention. Mulugheta revealed that Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones believed he had reached an agreement directly with Parsons during a March 18 meeting. Mulugheta described the situation as challenging for a 25-year-old player, stating, “If you’re a [then-]25-year-old football player and your boss, who happens to be the most powerful person in the NFL, starts talking about contracts, it’s hard for you to end that conversation.”
Despite Mulugheta’s attempts to engage in negotiations, the Cowboys were not interested in discussing a deal. Mulugheta criticized the expectation that Parsons should also be a contract expert, saying, “To expect somebody like Micah Parsons to be one of the best defenders in the NFL and also a great lawyer when it comes to contracts, I think it’s a bit unfair.”
What was the value and structure of Micah Parsons’ contract extension with the Packers?
Micah Parsons
Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons speaks during an introductory press conference on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers made a trade with the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 28 to acquire Parsons in exchange for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first round picks.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
The Packers signed Parsons to a four-year, $188 million contract extension, with $120 million guaranteed at signing. This deal surpassed the Cowboys’ offer, reportedly for the most significant guaranteed money for a non-quarterback in NFL history, exceeding $150 million. The primary difference between the offers was the length; the Cowboys proposed a five-year extension, while the Packers’ four-year deal was more favorable to Parsons financially.
Parsons practiced with the Packers on Monday, though he was a limited participant due to a back injury. Mulugheta stated that Parsons would do everything possible to play in the Packers’ season opener against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Regarding any potential impact on future negotiations, Mulugheta assured that the situation would not affect his representation of Cowboys receiver George Pickens, who is in the final year of his contract. He emphasized that the Parsons trade was a business decision and that if Pickens performs well, they would be open to discussions with the Cowboys about a long-term deal.