If anyone knows how to negotiate with Jerry Jones, it’s Dak Prescott. Last year, Prescott secured a $240 million contract from the controversial Dallas Cowboys owner. Now, teammate Micah Parsons is facing a similar challenge. Instead of offering negotiating advice, however, the star quarterback offered something far more valuable: his trust.
The 2024 offseason was a turning point for Prescott. With only one year remaining on his contract, the star quarterback managed to convince Jones to make him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL, with an average annual salary of $60 million over the next four years.
The deal wasn’t achieved overnight; it was the result of a long and complex process. Prescott even hinted at the possibility of sitting out the regular season unless he received the extension he was seeking. This year, as Parsons navigates a similar situation, Prescott has opted to show his support in a different way.
Dak’s message to Micah
Speaking at the Children’s Cancer Fund Gala, Prescott addressed the topic of Parsons’ contract negotiations. The quarterback revealed that he had already spoken privately with his teammate but chose not to elaborate, saying, “Leave that as locker room talks.”
Prescott made his faith in Parsons’ abilities and character abundantly clear. “I’m very confident in that guy and what he can do,” Prescott said. “Who he is and what he wants to do is as important as anything. And that’s in being a leader.”
Although he admitted he wasn’t privy to the details of Parsons’ contract situation, Prescott offered insight from his own experience. He acknowledged that his negotiation process might have been resolved sooner had he approached it differently, and shared some encouragement for Parsons: “That’s for him to stay positive, understand, and make sure his team knows what he wants and what he believes.”
What is Parsons looking for?
The specifics of Parsons’ contract negotiations have not been made public. However, analysts speculate that the linebacker is aiming to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase currently holds that title after signing a four-year, $161 million contract, with $40.25 million guaranteed annually.
According to insiders, Parsons is reportedly seeking a deal worth over $200 million, which would place him ahead of many star quarterbacks. Negotiations remain stalled, but Dallas will need to act within the next year to avoid losing the cornerstone of their defense.
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