Tensions are running high in Dallas: In the midst of contract negotiations, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and NFL star Micah Parsons are engaged in a public spat.
Micah Parsons showed up on time for the start of the Dallas Cowboys’ training camp in Oxnard, California. However, it remains unclear whether the four-time Pro Bowler will actually participate in training: According to ESPN, a holdout is looming due to stalled contract talks.
The Cowboys have apparently not yet held any concrete talks with Parsons’ agent David Mulugheta about an extension. There has only been direct contact with the player himself, who is reportedly seeking a record deal similar to that of Steelers star T.J. Watt.
At a press conference with Jones and new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the 82-year-old team owner couldn’t resist taking a dig at Parsons: “Just because we sign him doesn’t mean we’ll always have him available. Last year, he was injured for six games.”
Jones also compared the situation to that of quarterback Dak Prescott, who missed several games in 2024 after extending his contract: “I remember we made a player the highest-paid at his position, and he was out for two-thirds of the season – Dak Prescott. There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to long-term commitments and guaranteed money.”
In terms of content, the statement about Parsons was not entirely correct: the pass rusher missed four games last season. Accordingly, Jones also provided new fuel for controversy.
NFL legend J.J. Watt responded to the Cowboys owner’s comments with irony on social media: Publicly taking a shot at your own star quarterback and star pass rusher right before the start of the season is definitely the best way to boost team morale.
Parsons himself shared the post directly on his own profile. A clear sign of dissatisfaction.
Anytime you can publicly take a dig at your star quarterback and your star pass rusher simultaneously, right before the season begins, you just gotta take it…
Nothing makes guys want to fight for you more than hearing how upset you are that they got hurt while fighting for you. https://t.co/iaaBk6kfmo
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 21, 2025
Micah Parsons set for NFL record contract?
Despite the public disputes, however, it seems likely that Parsons will end up with a new record contract.
His athletic importance to the Cowboys is undisputed: since being drafted in the first round in 2021, he has led the team in sacks every season – even last season despite missing time with injury, with 12 sacks in 13 appearances.
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