• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Micah Parsons Absence Could Stretch into Week 1, Jerry Jones Says

Parsons has been holding out for a new contract despite Jones saying he agreed to a handshake deal with his star player in March.

Jul 26, 2025; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons (11) at training camp at the River Ridge Fields
Kirby Lee/Imagn Images

Jerry Jones isn’t certain Micah Parsons will be available for the start of the regular season. 

The Cowboys owner and GM spoke Tuesday at a joint practice with the Rams in California, and told reporters he hasn’t communicated with Parsons since the defensive lineman requested a trade out of the organization last Friday. 

Jones added he and Parsons’s agent, David Mulugheta of Athletes First, haven’t engaged in any recent negotiations, and he isn’t certain Parsons will play in the season opener against the Eagles on Sept. 4.

“A big part of that is his decision,” Jones said. “How would I know that? I’m just saying … We will work through it or we will not work through it.”

Cowboys first-year coach Brian Schottenheimer was more optimistic than his boss about Parsons’ availability. 

“We’re still planning on moving Micah around and putting him in all the spots that we see him and using our fronts the way we want to see it,” Schottenheimer said Tuesday. “We go about our business every day. We live in the moment. We focus on the moment. Like I said the other day, I expect Micah to be here.”

At 26, Parsons is one of the NFL’s best defensive players. He’s had at least 12 sacks in all four seasons with the Cowboys, and will make $24 million this season in the final year of his rookie contract—which is a fifth-year option—according to Spotrac. 

Parsons has been holding in at Cowboys training camp to avoid being fined $50,000 per day. He’s attended practices, but hasn’t participated. He also hasn’t spoken to reporters since July 22, the team’s first day of camp. 

He is making roughly $17 million less than fellow edge rushers such as T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett, both of whom signed new deals this offseason that pay $41 million and $40 million per season, respectively. 

Jones has said Parsons agreed to a handshake deal in March for a new contract. Jones has been long associated with tactic, as he prefers to deal with players directly instead of their representation. 

Reporters asked Jones why the alleged deal he and Parsons struck hasn’t been put in writing five months after it happened. Jones says a written agreement exists, but that the parties are “still talking about renegotiating,” despite his earlier comments that he has not communicated with Parsons or Mulugheta.

I bought the Dallas Cowboys with a handshake,” Jones said. “It took about 30 seconds. I gave the number, shook hands, the details we worked out later. As a matter of fact, one of the details involved a lot of money and I had to flip a coin over that. But the fundamental, ‘I’m buying and you’re gonna sell it to me for that range,’ that’s done. And those are done with eye contact and handshake. Just so you understand the way that I communicate with people that I negotiate with. Let’s leave it at that.” 

Jones has continued to mention that Parsons already has a contract—but he’s referring to his current deal only: the fifth-year option the team exercised and is available because of the league’s CBA, not from Jones negotiating. 

Barring a trade, Parsons and the Cowboys could be stuck with each other for a while, even without a new contract. The team can still franchise tag him in 2026 to keep him on the roster with the market for his position unchanged in light of Watt and Garrett’s contracts. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

After Draft-Day Snub and Drama, Sanders to Start Preseason Opener

Multiple injuries mean Sanders gets the nod for the opening preseason game.
Oct 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; A general overall view of the NFL Network building adjacent to SoFi Stadium.
exclusive

ESPN Taking Over NFL Network’s Lease Near SoFi Stadium

The network is picking up a little real estate in its mega-deal.
NFL Network host Kimmi Chex gives Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor a draft do-over during the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Taylor was drafted in 2020 when the draft was held virtually due to COVID.

ESPN Reaches NFL Draft Rights Extension Following Mega-Deal

The network will continue to broadcast the draft through 2030, say sources.

Disney Buying NFL Network, NFL Getting 10% Stake in ESPN

The deal rewrites the playbook for pro leagues and their TV partners.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.

Ukrainian Tennis Star Blames Sports Bettors for Death Threats

Svitolina is currently ranked No. 13 in the world.
August 2, 2025

Luka Dončić Signs 3-Year Lakers Extension On 1st Day Of Eligibility 

Dončić can opt out after two seasons and sign a record deal.
Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks injured guard Damian Lillard against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.
August 4, 2025

Damian Lillard and All the NBA Players Taking College GM Roles

The All-Star was named general manager of Weber State men’s basketball Saturday.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Leo Messi
exclusive
August 1, 2025

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Defends Messi Suspension

Messi was punished for skipping the MLS All-Star Game.
August 1, 2025

Micah Parsons Requests Trade From Cowboys As Contract Talks Stall

The defensive end has been seeking a new contract.
McLaurin
August 1, 2025

Terry McLaurin Asks Out of Washington Amid Contract Standoff

McLaurin is in the final year of a three-year, $68 million contract. 
July 31, 2025

Mikal Bridges Takes $6M Discount to Help Knicks Avoid Second Apron

Bridges agreed to a four-year, $150 million extension Thursday.