Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shed some light on his negotiations with Micah Parsons after the All-Pro defender requested a trade last Friday resulting from a scarcity of communication on an extension.
During Cowboys’ training camp Tuesday, Jones explained he and Parsons reached a deal in theory, saying he negotiated with a handshake and eye contact — nevertheless, nothing was put in writing.
“I purchased the Dallas Cowboys with a handshake,” Jones told NFL Network’s Jane Slater. “It took about 30 seconds. And I gave the number, shook hands, the main points we worked out later. As a matter of fact, one in all the main points involved loads of money and we needed to flip a coin over that.
“But the basic, ‘I’m buying and also you’re gonna sell it to me for that range,’ that’s done. And people are done with eye contact and handshake. Just so that you understand the best way that I communicate with those that I negotiate with. So, let’s leave it at that.
“There’s is no doubt that within the case of a player contract, you could have to have it in writing. All parties do. We now have a contract in writing, yet we’re still talking about renegotiating it, so a lot for that.”
In his trade request, Parsons explained that the 2 sides haven’t talked because the four-time Pro Bowler had a casual conversation with Jones in March — which Parsons said was about leadership before things took a turn when Jones brought up his contract.
“Again, there’s [no sticking point], there are points of various degrees of influence in not having something done but nothing that I wouldn’t say is out of the strange,” Jones said of the situation.
When asked if there’s a date on the calendar to get a Parsons deal done, Jones laughed and said, “No, under no circumstances.”
Slater mentioned that last 12 months CeeDee Lamb’s deal got here to fruition Aug. 27, followed by Dak Prescott on Sept. 10.
“I had not checked out the proximity of those dates in any respect,” Jones said. “But you realize, it takes two to make these items go. And I feel everyone appreciates that.”
Jones added that he doesn’t mind the press amid his headline spree over the Parsons saga.
“I benefit from the people and men and ladies of the press,” Jones said. “… We’re brothers and sister really — now we don’t treat one another that way after we get the criticism going. But that’s OK too … All of this is part of sport, I’ve all the time believed that … I’m having fun with the entire show. I don’t know if I worked a day in my life since I purchased the Cowboys.”
Parsons attended the Cowboys’ joint practice with the Rams on Tuesday, but didn’t participate.
He also didn’t interact with Jones, and the 2 haven’t talked since Parsons requested a trade last Friday, in accordance with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Jones said Tuesday that he’s not confident his star linebacker would play Sept. 4 when Dallas kicks off the 2025 season on the road against the Eagles.
Parsons has reported to training camp despite the drama.
He would face a each day effective of $50,000 if he is just not present.
