Oxnard, California — Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones remains steadfast in his stance against trading star linebacker Micah Parsons following the athlete’s public trade request this past Friday. During a press conference after Saturday’s practice, Jones expressed admiration for Parsons, dismissing the request as merely part of contract negotiations.

“I hold Micah in high regard,” Jones remarked, adding that he believes the matter is typical of the complexities that arise during negotiations. He spent considerable time addressing reporters’ questions about Parsons’ contract, the foundational agreement he claims they reached earlier in the year, and a recent spate of injuries that have sidelined the Pro Bowler throughout training camp.

Despite ongoing discussions, Jones declined to speculate on Parsons’ availability for the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4. “I don’t want to discuss my expectations,” he noted. “What has happened up until now is what I can talk about, and that’s not something I find sensitive.”

Parsons’ trade request was made public via social media, where he voiced his frustrations with the Cowboys organization, citing “repeated shots” directed at him. He expressed dissatisfaction with negotiations taking place without sufficient representation from his agent and lamented injuries sustained while striving to meet team expectations. “Unfortunately, I no longer want to be here,” Parsons stated.

On the practice field Saturday, Parsons participated, but notably did not don his customary No. 11 jersey, spending considerable time working on drills with offensive players rather than his defensive teammates. He was seen resting on the grass while fans near the field chanted his name.

Jones acknowledged he had not spoken directly with Parsons since the trade request was issued. He reiterated their prior agreement from March, which Parsons has since countered, claiming the meeting intended to discuss leadership ultimately veered into contract negotiations. “He took that offer off the table,” Jones said, though he refrained from revealing specifics, hinting at a substantial financial package involving “almost $200 million.”

In the time since Parsons and Jones last met, several elite pass rushers, such as Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, and T.J. Watt, have signed lucrative extensions, intensifying the backdrop of Parsons’ situation. This season, Parsons is slated to earn $21.324 million on the fifth-year option, and the Cowboys retain the ability to franchise tag him from 2026 to 2028, albeit at a hefty price.

According to Jones, negotiations with Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, have not yet taken place. He explained his preference for direct communication with players over involving agents when addressing contracts. “The agent is not the one that solves problems when executing what you’ve agreed to in a contract,” Jones asserted.

The Cowboys’ history of drawn-out negotiations for star players, such as Zack Martin and CeeDee Lamb, lends context to the current standoff. Previous negotiations have led to missed training camp sessions but ultimately resulted in contracts being finalized.

In closing, Jones reassured fans not to panic over the ongoing situation, underscoring his track record of rewarding top talent within the organization. “Don’t lose any sleep over it,” he advised. He remains optimistic that all parties will navigate this complex chapter and continue building a strong team for the upcoming season.