The Micah contract saga: a 3-headed perspective

Jerry Jones: A Deal is a Deal

From Jerry Jones’ viewpoint, this situation should have never reached the level of dispute it has.

According to Jones, he and Parsons already sat down privately in March and struck a verbal agreement on the framework of a contract.

In his mind, the Cowboys’ commitment to Parsons was reaffirmed in that meeting, and the player should now honor the terms they discussed.

Jones is old-fashioned and prides himself on being hands-on with his players, often speaking about relationships that extend beyond just contracts.

To him, this private meeting was a sign of trust and respect, a man-to-man agreement that did not require every lawyer and agent in the room.

He sees Parsons as the future face of the franchise and believes the Cowboys are ready to reward him, but he also feels Parsons is going back on his word by stalling the process.

David Mulugheta: Total Disrespect

For Micah Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, the problem is simple: Jerry Jones should never have met with his client one-on-one regarding contractual matters.

In his eyes, this was not an act of good faith but a blatant disregard for the role of professional representation.

Mulugheta believes that going behind an agent’s back sets a dangerous precedent. Agents exist to protect players’ interests, negotiate complex terms, and ensure athletes are treated fairly.

By excluding him from the March meeting, Jones not only disrespected Parsons but also undermined the agent-player relationship.

Mulugheta’s stance is clear: if the Cowboys want a deal done, they need to do it the right way, with all parties properly involved.

Micah Parsons: Stuck in the Middle

For Micah Parsons, the contract drama is draining. At heart, he just wants to play football and lead the Cowboys’ defense.

Yet, he can’t ignore the reality: he’s one of the best defensive players in the NFL, and his contributions deserve to be recognized financially.

While he doesn’t want to make things personal, Parsons feels frustrated and disrespected that a deal isn’t already finalized.

He gave everything on the field, and in return, he just wants security and clarity so he can focus solely on the game.

The longer this drags out, the harder it becomes to balance his love of football with the business reality of the NFL.

The Writer’s Judgment

All three parties bear some responsibility in this dispute.

Parsons could stand firmer in his communication, Mulugheta could work more directly with the Cowboys, and the team could avoid letting negotiations spill into the public eye, but the recurring theme in Dallas remains Jerry Jones’ approach.

Jones has a history of attempting backdoor agreements with players, leaning on his charm and relationships rather than following proper protocol.

While his intent may not be malicious, it often comes across as manipulative and “slimy,” which only erodes trust in the long run.

If Jones were simply straightforward, transparent, and respectful of the process, this standoff might not exist at all.

The Cowboys need Parsons, and Parsons wants to play. The solution lies in setting aside ego and doing things the right way.

Until then, the standoff remains yet another example of how business too often gets in the way of football in Dallas.