Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ Contract Conundrum
Jerry Jones isn’t often right, but when he is, it’s only fair to give him credit, as was the case Tuesday when he said he’d rather pay a player more and get the contract right than to pay less and “screw it up.”
Just to be clear, that’s not what he got right.
This is: “You can screw it up real good.”
Yes, he can.
Cowboys
The Problem with Micah Parsons’ Contract
And does.
Like Tuesday, when he said twice he doesn’t even know the name of Micah Parsons’ agent.
Which is why maybe it’s best to consider trading Micah if he’s going to continue to screw up contracts with his best players.
The first rule of football contracts is that the meter is always ticking on superstars. And Micah, who reportedly wants $200 million, which would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, is clearly one of the best defensive players in the league, if not the Cowboys’ pantheon.
Jerry’s Negotiating Tactics
Jerry defended his wait-and-see negotiating tactics in principle by claiming that, with some athletes, it’s possible to “misread” athletic ability or potential availability. Not in Micah’s case, it isn’t. Unless, by availability, he’s referring to the fact that Micah hasn’t always been around The Star when it’s open for business.
Look, it’s better for everyone when your best player, not to mention one of your highest-paid, is the type of leader no one questions. Micah doesn’t fit the ideal.
But whatever his faults during the week or offseason, he makes up for it on fall Sundays as a game-wrecker.
The Consequences of Waiting
Had the Cowboys already done a more team-friendly deal with Micah, would the latter be the type to demand a new deal once the market resets? Possibly. As Jerry noted, he’s seen it, from Emmitt Smith and Deion Sanders to Jason Witten and Zack Martin.
Of course, it’s also the price of doing business with the best. Either you learn how to get out in front without dissing anyone’s agent, or you get run over.
Assuming the Cowboys sign Micah, they’ll have more than $135 million committed to him, CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott and another $40 million or so to Osa Odighizuwa and Trevon Diggs. In order to make it all work under the cap, they’ll have to start throwing baggage overboard, much like the 49ers are doing in anticipation of Brock Purdy’s big payday.
Alternative Solutions
Not saying I’d do it, but if Jerry’s determined to pay top dollar, it’s worth thinking about what a Micah trade might net. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell proposed a three-way deal among the Cowboys, Falcons and Browns in which the Cowboys give up Micah and the 12th pick and get the Falcons’ third-round pick in 2026 and the 15th pick this year as well as the No. 2 pick from the Browns, which the Cowboys would use on Penn State’s Abdul Carter, a Micah starter kit.
Then Barnwell added the dagger: “It couldn’t be worse than the Luka Doncic trade, right?”
No, nothing will ever be worse than that. Jerry can take some solace in that he’ll always be runner-up.
Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jerry Jones’ contract negotiations with Micah Parsons have been a challenge, and it’s unclear what the future holds for the Cowboys. One thing is certain, however: the team needs to get it right, or risk losing one of their best players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the situation:
Q: What is Micah Parsons’ current contract situation?
A: Micah Parsons is awaiting an extension and reportedly wants $200 million, which would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
Q: Why is Jerry Jones’ negotiating tactic a problem?
A: Jerry Jones’ wait-and-see negotiating tactic can be a problem because it may lead to the team losing their best players or overpaying them.
Q: What are the consequences of the Cowboys signing Micah to a big contract?
A: If the Cowboys sign Micah to a big contract, they will have to throw baggage overboard to make it work under the cap, which could affect the team’s overall performance.
