Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed serious doubts on Tuesday about star linebacker Micah Parsons being available for the Week 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, amid an ongoing contract dispute and the player’s recent trade request.
Jones stated he was “absolutely not” confident that Parsons would suit up for the season opener. This marks a significant escalation in uncertainty for the Cowboys, who have seen their standout edge rusher hold out of practice, demanding a contract that would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. The stalemate between Parsons and the Cowboys front office has left the star defender sidelined as talks have stalled.
Since Parsons publicly requested a trade last Friday, Jones confirmed he has not had any direct communication with Parsons or his agent, David Mulugheta. It appears the team believed a verbal understanding had been reached previously, but those discussions have since broken down. Speaking to reporters, Jones conveyed a sense of urgency about resolving the situation but remained measured about a quick resolution, remarking, “We work through or we don’t work it.”
Despite the ongoing contract impasse, Jones has a history of eventually retaining key talent by finalizing deals late in training camp, citing previous delays in signing top players like Ezekiel Elliott, Zack Martin, CeeDee Lamb, and Dak Prescott. Still, he acknowledged the challenge Parsons’ holdout presents, especially with the season opener just weeks away.
Parsons’ decision to sit out practice in pursuit of his pay demands places the Cowboys in uncharted territory; if he does not play Week 1, he would become the first Cowboy to miss a game over contractual issues since the days of Hall of Fame linebacker DeMarcus Ware. This offseason confrontation sheds light on the complexity of contract negotiations when elite young stars seek contracts commensurate with their impact on the field.
The Cowboys’ fanbase and coaching staff now await clarity on Parsons’ availability as training camp progresses. How this contract saga evolves could significantly impact Dallas’ defense and their initial momentum for the 2025 NFL season.
As of now, there are no ongoing negotiations or new talks reported between Parsons or his agent and the Cowboys management, leaving Week 1 participation in serious doubt.