Stephen Jones Says Micah Parsons \'Has to Want to Be Paid\'
Dallas Cowboys executive Stephen Jones suggested linebacker Micah Parsons must accept the team\'s contract offer, deflecting responsibility for the ongoing negotiation stalemate during training camp.
Jones made the comments to All City DLLS reporter Clarence E. Hill Jr. amid fan chants demanding the team pay their star defender. The statement indicates Dallas may offer Parsons significantly less than market value.
\"We want to pay Micah too. He\'s got to want to be paid,\" Jones said.
The Cowboys have consistently delayed major contract extensions until the last possible moment. Parsons will earn $24 million this season under his fifth-year option if no extension materializes.
Dallas could apply the exclusive franchise tag next year, maintaining control while avoiding a long-term commitment. This approach has become standard practice for the organization\'s key players.
The delay strategy provides significant financial benefits for Dallas ownership. Parsons will have earned just $27 million over two seasons before receiving a major extension.
Given Parsons\' elite production and market value, this represents exceptional value for the Cowboys. The linebacker has been one of the NFL\'s most disruptive defensive players since entering the league.