JUST IN: Jerry Jones Opens Up on Micah Parsons Contract Talks; “Agent Is Nowhere to Be Found When There’s a Problem”
By Nick Harris, Sports Insider
In the latest chapter of Micah Parsons’ ongoing contract negotiations, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shed light on the friction with the linebacker’s representation — or rather, the lack thereof when it matters most.
Jones, known for his candid and sometimes colorful remarks, told reporters this week that dealing with Parsons’ agent has been a frustrating experience. “Because when we have a problem with the player, the agent is nowhere to be found,” Jones said bluntly.
The Cowboys have been navigating a tense negotiation period with Parsons, a cornerstone of the defense and one of the league’s premier talents. While Parsons’ on-field performance has elevated his value, contract talks have been complicated by what Jones describes as inconsistent communication on the agent’s part.
Jones drew a comparison to past dealings with high-profile players and their agents, singling out the partnership he had with Jay-Z during contract talks for former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant.
“Jay-Z said that Dez would make all meetings. Jay-Z and I negotiated the contract, spent hours,” Jones recalled. “He said, ‘Anybody in my organization is on time.’ He said, ‘My office used to be on the street corner, and I’ve always been early. So, they will be on time.’ And what did I say? I said, ‘I’m going to call you \[when I have a problem].’ He quit taking my call.”
Jones used this anecdote to illustrate the difference in professional approach, implying that the current agent for Parsons lacks the availability and responsiveness that Jones expects. “When things get tough or there’s a hiccup, you want the agent to step up, represent their player, and communicate clearly,” Jones emphasized. “That hasn’t been happening.”
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that the Cowboys are eager to reach an agreement to keep Parsons in Dallas long term, but the stalled talks have generated uncertainty around the linebacker’s future. Parsons, who has expressed a desire to remain with the Cowboys, reportedly remains frustrated by the drawn-out process and communication issues between his representatives and the team.
Jones, meanwhile, made it clear that while the Cowboys value Parsons immensely, they won’t bend to demands without productive dialogue. “We want to do right by Micah, but we also want a partnership built on respect and trust,” Jones said. “That means showing up, being accountable, and having honest conversations — not disappearing when the tough parts come.”
As the NFL offseason progresses, eyes will remain on Dallas to see whether these contract negotiations can reach a resolution. For now, Jones’ remarks serve as a reminder that in professional sports, successful deals hinge not just on talent and money, but also on communication and commitment.
Whether Parsons and his agent will heed Jones’ call for more engagement remains to be seen — but the Cowboys owner is clearly ready for those calls to start ringing again.