It's one thing when a player "holds in" during training camp, but Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons is taking it to another level. The four-time Pro Bowler publically requested for a trade on August 1, explaining that the front office "held him to negotiations" without his agent present and took shots at him for getting injured.
Parsons is on a $24 million team option for 2025, but he doesn't want to play and risk a major injury without long-term security. The Penn State alum has 52.5 sacks, 256 tackles, 63 TFLs, and nine forced fumbles over four career seasons.
There has been no progress on a new deal since Parsons' post, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones publicly called out his agent on Thursday, via Michael Irvin's YouTube channel.
Jones said that he offered Parsons the richest non-quarterback contract in the NFL before negotiations stalled in March, but the pass rusher's agent rejected it.
"I've agreed to give more money than has ever been given in terms of guaranteed money than anyone ever has as far as a defensive player," he said. "I've done that. Now, I am the cat that writes the check. Now Micah's got three years with the Cowboys left. He's got three years. At some point somebody has to have the say over the other. At some point it has to be that way."
"My job is managing the check, OK? Micah's got to do the playing," he continued. "Where's the least important part of this whole equation that we're talking about? ... The attorney or the agent, OK? He works for Micah."
Cowboys are running out of time in Micah Parsons saga
While Jones may be telling the truth, it doesn't solve Parsons' gripe of being upset at the brass for not including his agent in initial discussions. The owner dismissing the agent as the "least important part of the equation" isn't likely to get the 2021 first-round pick to come around.
Parsons could still suit up for Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, as he's attending team meetings and walkthroughs to avoid fines. However, Dallas risks watching him walk for nothing in return next offseason unless it uses a $26.5 million franchise tag. The NFL Trade Deadline is 4:00 p.m. ET on Nov. 4, and the organization would be best-suited either extending or trading him by then.