Jerry Jones, owner and president of the Dallas Cowboys, confirmed in an interview that linebacker Micah Parsons turned down a contract offer intended to make him the highest-paid defensive player in National Football League history based on guaranteed money. The offer would have exceeded the current benchmark set by Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, who secured $123 million guaranteed.
Jones explained his position regarding the negotiations: “The world would know that I want Micah if they knew what I had offered him. He knows what I offered. I’ve agreed to give him more money than has ever been given in terms of guaranteed money than anyone ever has as far as a defensive player. I’ve done that. Now, I am the cat that writes the check. Micah’s got three years with the Cowboys left. He’s got three years. At some point, somebody has to have the say over the other. At some point it has to be that way.”
According to Jones, Parsons’ agent rejected this record-breaking proposal, resulting in stalled discussions about a contract extension. While Parsons has indicated through public statements and social media changes that he wants to leave the team, Jones remains optimistic about resolving differences.
“We’ve got this resolved in my mind for the Dallas Cowboys. We’ve got it done. If the agent wants to finish up the details, which he should, and do all the paperwork, he can do that and we’re ready to go. As far as the amount of money, the years, the guarantees, all of that, we’ve negotiated that,” Jones stated.
Jones also pointed out that technically Parsons is under team control for three more years via contractual obligations and possible use of the franchise tag.
No agreement between Parsons and Dallas has yet been reached as contract talks continue.
