The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in the middle of yet another high-profile contract dispute, this time involving All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons.
Negotiations have stalled, if they ever really started to begin with, and frustration is mounting across the board.
Parsons wants to be on the field, the team wants to keep its cornerstone defender happy, and the business side of the NFL has once again taken center stage.
While the public details are limited, a clearer picture emerges when looking at the perspectives of the three main figures: Jerry Jones, Parsons’ agent David Mulugheta, and Parsons himself.
Jerry Jones: A Deal is a Deal
From Jerry Jones’ viewpoint, this situation should have never reached the level of dispute it has.
According to Jones, he and Parsons already sat down privately in March and struck a verbal agreement on the framework of a contract.
In his mind, the Cowboys’ commitment to Parsons was reaffirmed in that meeting, and the player should now honor the terms they discussed.
Jones is old-fashioned and prides himself on being hands-on with his players, often speaking about relationships that extend beyond just contracts.
To him, this private meeting was a sign of trust and respect, a man-to-man agreement that did not require every lawyer and agent in the room.
He sees Parsons as the future face of the franchise and believes the Cowboys are ready to reward him, but he also feels Parsons is going back on his word by stalling the process.
David Mulugheta: Total Disrespect
For Micah Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, the problem is simple: Jerry Jones should never have met with his client one-on-one regarding contractual matters.
In his eyes, this was not an act of good faith but a blatant disregard for the role of professional representation.
Mulugheta believes that going behind an agent’s back sets a dangerous precedent. Agents exist to protect players’ interests, negotiate complex terms, and ensure athletes are treated fairly.
By excluding him from the March meeting, Jones not only disrespected Parsons but also undermined the agent-player relationship.
Mulugheta’s stance is clear: if the Cowboys want a deal done, they need to do it the right way, with all parties properly involved.
Micah Parsons: Stuck in the Middle
For Micah Parsons, the contract drama is draining. At heart, he just wants to play football and lead the Cowboys’ defense.
Yet, he can’t ignore the reality: he’s one of the best defensive players in the NFL, and his contributions deserve to be recognized financially.
While he doesn’t want to make things personal, Parsons feels frustrated and disrespected that a deal isn’t already finalized.
He gave everything on the field, and in return, he just wants security and clarity so he can focus solely on the game.
The longer this drags out, the harder it becomes to balance his love of football with the business reality of the NFL.
The Writer’s Judgment
All three parties bear some responsibility in this dispute.
Parsons could stand firmer in his communication, Mulugheta could work more directly with the Cowboys, and the team could avoid letting negotiations spill into the public eye, but the recurring theme in Dallas remains Jerry Jones’ approach.
Jones has a history of attempting backdoor agreements with players, leaning on his charm and relationships rather than following proper protocol.
While his intent may not be malicious, it often comes across as manipulative and “slimy,” which only erodes trust in the long run.
If Jones were simply straightforward, transparent, and respectful of the process, this standoff might not exist at all.
The Cowboys need Parsons, and Parsons wants to play. The solution lies in setting aside ego and doing things the right way.
Until then, the standoff remains yet another example of how business too often gets in the way of football in Dallas.
unfortunately the days of it being just about football are long over. Thanks big top..
Let me preface this comment by saying I have been critical of the Cowboy front office many times here.
I recommend people watch the Michael Irvin You Tube video podcast with guest Jerry Jones. They talked about how their relationship is still tightly knitted together after 30 years and how that started by making primarily man to man deals then, etc. I remember Irvin having some off field problems and I’m sure Jones helped him out many times in those and with other issues/ventures, etc.
Later in the conversation turned to the MP situation. According to Jones, he offered MP, three months ago, the HIGHEST guaranteed money contract of ANY defensive player in the league. MP agreed with the offer and perfunctory papers were drawn up. Afterwards, MP’s agent told Jones to “shove that deal up your ass”. So, instead of maybe trying to tweak that “deal”, to make it palatable to the LEAST important person in the negotiation, the agent disregards it.
Agents have a big interest in these deals as they get a certain percentage. Also, it’s not like most of these college educated player today are not savvy enough to make decisions. And how do we know the AGENTS are not doing the “charming”.
This deal is somewhat reminiscent of the Dak deals, when he was offered very good offers early, but were blown off. Now they have a player being paid as the HIGHEST in the league but is ranked 17th in PFF QB ratings this year and still has years left on that last iron clad contract. So, ownerships are taking risks on every deal made also. Dak has been injured three of his last five years, or in other words he has played only TWO full years in the last five. Hmm.
Reality, MP is still under the last year ($24 million, not bad) of his current contract and as Jones points out during the video, he still has a total of three years with the Cowboys if the two franchise tags are used. Jones wants to make a deal and as history has shown, he often OVERPAYS his players. MP doesn’t have to be “stuck in the middle”, he just needs to tell his agent to step off. After all, the money is truly stupid and insane, and idea that these high-end players are being “manipulated” or “disrespected” is silly. That sounds like something from the 1950’s.
MP should be on the field practicing with his teammates, PERIOD.
a Dallas Cowboys fan, the reason why Jerry Jones doesn’t want to talk to Mich Parsons agent David Mulugheta Jerry Jones is a idiot and doesn’t know what he is doing
jerry’s ego is so big if fills the entire stadium. Nobody is better at ruining a team or a player just in order to be the main event himself. Now he says michah should take a team friendly contract. He tried to last year but the jones didn’t want to talk. Jerry is like trump they got more wind and bs coming out of their mouths 24/7 they cannot hear anyone else.