Jerry Jones sends message to Dallas Cowboys fans on Micah Parsons’ trade request
Yes, the Dallas Cowboys practiced Saturday. But no, the on-field play was far from where the focus was.
After star defensive end Micah Parsons requested a trade on Friday following stalled talks on a contract extension with the team, the tension in the air could be cut with a knife at the River Ridge Fields in Southern California on Saturday. Practice began with Parsons walking out on the field without a jersey on for the first time in training camp, as he sported just a Cowboys’ pullover hoodie and shorts.
With signs that supported Parsons throughout the crowd, the fans chanted variations of “Let’s pay Micah” throughout the practice session as team owner and general manager Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones looked on. During the loudest chant of the 90-minute practice, Parsons pointed toward the crowd to show his appreciation.
After practice, Jerry Jones held court with the media for the front office’s first comments since the request a little more than 24 hours prior.
“Let’s put it like this,” Jones opened. “Surely, you guys have been around this stuff enough to know negotiation talk, that type of thing. That’s where I put that [trade request].”
“I think the world of Micah. [The trade request is] just part of the negotiation.”
Seemingly unfazed by the public request from Parsons, Jones was hush about any details on the negotiations, other than he felt that the two sides agreed on a deal back in March that would have made him the highest-paid defensive player in the league at the time.
“I started negotiations in March,” Jones said. “Micah is easy for me to talk to. We had a good talk regarding the negotiation of the contract the way I have many, many players.”
However, Parsons’ side of the negotiation doesn’t feel that way. Instead, he felt that meeting was more about his leadership role on the team and that they generally agreed on parameters of a contract. Still, Parsons wanted to get his agent, David Mulugheta, involved before agreeing on any official deal. Jones saw that conversation a bit more officially.
“I think I was asked if we have negotiated directly, and that is an emphatic yes,” Jones said. ”We got an agreement. Let’s really do understand that. If we’re going to adjust that agreement, then he’s a must and I’m a must. It’s very important that if we’re going to change this agreement, then I agree to what we change.”
“What y’all don’t know is what I offered him, and it’s a hell of a lot more than y’all think I did.”
Unfortunately for Jones and whatever his plans are (he said he wouldn’t get into those), he did say that Parsons took that deal from March off the table. Their relationship, which has been characterized as strong by both sides as recently as April, has quickly deteriorated.
“I think the relationship is what it is,” Jones said. “I know my attitude. My attitude is the same one I’ve had, I think the world of Micah. He’s an outstanding player. He can really help us, but he’s got to fit in with the best interest of the team. That’s what it’s all about.”
Jones heard the fans’ sentiments in Oxnard on Saturday, and he’s well aware of the public feelings from the fanbase about Parsons’ request on Friday. His message to those concerned?
“One thing I would say to our fans, don’t lose any sleep over this.”
How could anybody when Cowboys’ training camp has now doubled as a primetime soap opera?
Parsons did not comment when approached my reporters on Saturday after practice.
This story was originally published August 2, 2025 at 5:37 PM.
