There is never a dull moment when Jerry Jones is involved. The Dallas Cowboys owner's latest headline-grabbing exploits in pursuit of getting All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons tied down caused a significant stir — one that left the former first-round pick with no option other than to make an emphatic stance.
Reports surfaced that Jones had reached a verbal agreement with Parsons to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. It also revealed that the erratic billionaire was cutting out the middle man — agent David Mulugheta — to get this barrier-breaking deal over the line. That not only rubbed people the wrong way, but it also broke specific rules regarding player negotiation in the collective bargaining agreement.
Jones didn't shy away from the report, claiming that he's writing the checks and Parsons is cashing them, so this is the quickest way to get something worked out. The Cowboys haven't spoken to Mulugheta since the NFL Scouting Combine. Even so, this is not the right way to go about his business.
Micah Parsons fires back at Jerry Jones as contract fiasco takes another twist
According to Clarence Hill Jr. from All City DLLS, Jones couldn't even remember Mulugheta's name when probed about his underhanded negotiations. This blatant disrespect provoked a response from Parsons on social media, stating that no contract would be done without his representative's influence.
"David is the best and I will not be doing any deal without David Mulugheta involved! Like anyone with good sense I hired experts for a reason. There is no one I trust more when it comes to negotiating contracts than David! There will be no backdoors in this contract negotiation."Micah Parsons
If Jones was hoping to cut out the agent in pursuit of getting a deal done quicker, it's blown up in his face. Not for the first time, there is now increased scrutiny on how he's mismanaging personnel and making things more complicated than needed.
Jones was one problem above all else. He thinks he's the smartest guy in the room at all times. He thinks he's above NFL rules thanks to his influence as owner of the league's most valuable franchise. But for fans, the act is wearing incredibly thin.
Mulugheta isn't going to be too thrilled with this latest circus. It represented an attempt to undermine him despite his glowing reputation in league circles. Their next meeting will be an interesting one.
Jones is creating problems for himself when they could have been avoided. It's yet another stain on his approach, which the Cowboys could do without as they look to acquire the stability needed to keep pace with the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles within their division.
This is less than ideal, but the fact Parsons reportedly knows the figure offered and approves means all hope is not lost just yet. That's provided Jones doesn't fumble on the goal-line.
One couldn't say he was capable of that following this latest fiasco.
More Cowboys news and analysis
feed