Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has downplayed the urgency surrounding Micah Parsons’ contract situation, insisting there’s “no deadline” to finalize an extension for the All-Pro edge rusher.
Despite Parsons requesting a trade on August 1 and refusing to practice throughout training camp in Oxnard, California, Jones repeatedly pointed to one fact: Parsons is still under contract.
The standoff hasn’t resulted in progress, and the looming September 4 season opener against the Ravens doesn’t appear to change that. When asked directly if the regular season presents any kind of pressure point, Jones was adamant.
“You don’t have deadlines when you’re playing under a contract,” he told reporters. “We might or might not talk. The rest gets into what we do every day.”
Parsons is currently due to play under the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, which will pay him roughly $24 million this season. While he’s remained physically present at camp, he has declined to take part in any practices, effectively operating as a “hold-in.” Jones, however, praised Parsons for being around the team.
“I’m glad he’s been here,” he said. “It’s important for the team, teammates. It’s important for him to pick up all the coaching and the nuances. Osmosis is a very big thing.”
No rush and no talks
Even as one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players, Parsons has yet to secure the contract many believe he deserves, one that could make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.
That benchmark currently belongs to Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt, who signed a three-year, $123 million extension. Parsons is widely expected to eclipse that figure.
Yet, Jones emphasized his respect for contracts, making it clear that until a new deal is reached, the current agreement stands.
“When you do a contract, you hope that after negotiations, both sides look at that and respect it,” he said. While no official negotiations have taken place since the trade request, Jones has made no indication that talks are off the table either.
The Cowboys recently returned home ahead of their preseason matchup with the Ravens, but Jones did not confirm whether that would lead to renewed contract discussions.
“I don’t know that necessarily talks will [pick up],” he said. “But we’ve got a game coming, and he’s under contract.”
As speculation swirls and fans grow increasingly anxious, the Cowboys’ front office appears content playing the long game. Whether that strategy ultimately preserves team harmony or creates deeper tension remains to be seen. For now, Parsons waits, and so does Dallas.
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