Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has publicly accused Micah Parsons’ agent of using profane language to reject a record-breaking contract offer, leading the star defensive end to request a trade and creating uncertainty around his future with the team. This dispute highlights tensions in NFL contract negotiations and could impact team dynamics and league standards.
Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, is at the center of this conflict, targeting Micah Parsons, a highly talented defensive end who has been with the team since 2021, and his agent, David Mulugheta from Athletes First. Jones claims that Mulugheta obstructed the negotiation process, leading to a public feud and Parsons’ trade request.
The issue revolves around a stalled contract extension for Parsons, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, set to earn $24 million this season. Jones asserts that after reaching a verbal agreement with Parsons on terms, including guarantees that would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, the agent intervened disrespectfully, causing a breakdown in talks.
These events came to light on August 22, 2025, when Jones made these accusations during an appearance on former Cowboys player Michael Irvin’s YouTube show. The negotiations have been ongoing, but the public fallout and trade request are recent developments that have escalated the situation.
The dispute is rooted in the Dallas Cowboys organization, based in Arlington, Texas, but it has garnered widespread attention across the NFL and sports media, reflecting broader issues in player-team negotiations and agent involvement.
The underlying cause of the conflict is a disagreement over contract valuation and negotiation tactics. Jones believes the offer was fair and generous, potentially averaging around $40 million per year, but the agent’s actions suggest a demand for better terms or a different approach, leading to a stalemate and public acrimony.
How the situation unfolded involves Jones detailing the negotiation breakdown on air, specifically claiming that Mulugheta told the Cowboys to ‘stick it up our a–‘ when they tried to formalize the offer. Parsons, feeling frustrated with closed-door negotiations without his agent present, publicly requested a trade via social media earlier in August, amplifying the dispute.
The impact of this public feud could be significant, potentially damaging the relationship between Parsons and the Cowboys, affecting team morale and cohesion, and setting a precedent for how star players and agents negotiate contracts in the NFL. It might also influence the Cowboys’ defensive performance if Parsons is traded or holds out.
Looking ahead, possible next steps include resuming negotiations with the agent’s involvement, exploring a trade for Parsons to another team, or him playing under his current contract while discussions continue. First-year coach Brian Schottenheimer has expressed optimism that Parsons will be available for the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4, indicating hope for a resolution that keeps him on the field.