Cowboys owner Jerry Jones continues to justify not having a deal with Micah Parsons: “Just because we sign [Micah Parsons] doesn’t mean we’re going to have him. He missed 6 games last year. Seriously.”

In a recent conversation surrounding the Dallas Cowboys’ contract negotiations with superstar linebacker Micah Parsons, owner Jerry Jones once again addressed the issue with his characteristic blend of candor and strategic thinking. Jones, who has long been the face of the Cowboys, remains unapologetic about the team’s stance on signing Parsons to a long-term deal, despite the linebacker’s clear importance to the team’s future. His latest remarks, “Just because we sign [Micah Parsons] doesn’t mean we’re going to have him. He missed 6 games last year. Seriously,” reflect not only the business side of the Cowboys but also the pragmatic approach Jones takes to managing contracts, even with one of the NFL’s brightest young stars.

The Cowboys have had one of the most successful drafts in recent memory, and much of that success is tied to the impact of Parsons. Since being drafted by Dallas in 2021, the linebacker has been nothing short of a phenomenon. His ability to rush the quarterback, cover in space, and disrupt offensive schemes has earned him a reputation as one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. Parsons was named the 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and has quickly emerged as the face of the Cowboys’ defense.

Despite his immense talent and the praise he’s received from fans, analysts, and players alike, Jones’ latest comments highlight the reality of NFL negotiations: the business side often doesn’t align with pure emotion. While Parsons’ potential and impact on the field are undeniable, Jones is cautious about rushing into a massive long-term commitment—particularly given Parsons’ missed games in 2023.

Jones’ remarks on Parsons are part of a larger narrative that often plays out behind closed doors in NFL front offices. The world of professional football contracts, especially those involving young, highly skilled players, is a delicate balancing act. On one hand, teams want to lock in their most valuable assets for the long term, ensuring that they can build a competitive roster around those players. On the other hand, there are various financial, performance, and risk factors that make these decisions more complicated than they may appear at first glance.

For the Cowboys, Parsons represents the kind of player that every franchise dreams of having: an elite, game-changing force who can single-handedly alter the course of a game. His 2022 season, where he recorded 13.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles, made him a top contender for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. In many ways, Parsons is the anchor of the Cowboys’ defense, a unit that has become one of the league’s most feared under head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

However, Jones’ comments about Parsons’ missed games in 2023 bring attention to a reality that can’t be ignored: even the most elite players have injury histories. Parsons, despite his young age and immense talent, missed six games during the 2023 season, and injuries are a consistent factor in the NFL. While six games may not seem like a lot for some players, it’s a significant consideration when negotiating a long-term deal with a player who is expected to carry a heavy load for a team that has Super Bowl aspirations.

In a salary cap league like the NFL, teams have to carefully consider the risks of locking in large sums of money to players who are unable to consistently stay on the field. Injuries are a reality of the game, and while Parsons has demonstrated incredible durability through his first few seasons, the Cowboys are likely looking at the bigger picture when weighing the financial commitment involved in a long-term deal.

Jerry Jones is no stranger to making bold decisions when it comes to his football team. Over the years, he has demonstrated a willingness to take risks and push the envelope, both in terms of team strategy and business decisions. His acquisition of the Cowboys in 1989, his hiring of Jimmy Johnson as head coach, and his decision to continue making major football decisions in a hands-on manner are all examples of Jones’ willingness to go against conventional wisdom.

However, Jones’ approach to Parsons may also be reflective of a broader shift in how the Cowboys are managing their salary cap and roster decisions. While the franchise is undeniably focused on winning, there is also a practical reality at play: managing long-term financial stability in a salary cap era. The Cowboys have historically been known for paying top-dollar contracts to key players, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott are two examples of players who received significant financial commitments, but their contracts have often been a point of debate when the team has struggled to perform in the postseason.

With the salary cap in mind, Jones must be strategic in how he allocates funds. While Parsons’ talent makes him a priority, Jones also understands that financial flexibility is critical to building a complete team. The Cowboys have several other key players they need to pay, and some of those players may also require top-dollar deals. CeeDee Lamb, who has become Dak Prescott’s favorite target, is another player on the Cowboys’ roster whose contract will soon need attention. Additionally, the defense, while strong, will likely need further reinforcements in the coming years, particularly in the secondary and along the defensive line.

Jones’ caution with Parsons could also be seen as an attempt to prevent the franchise from becoming too top-heavy. The Cowboys have a history of overcommitting to one or two players and then finding themselves unable to fill out the rest of the roster with adequate depth. While Parsons is undoubtedly one of the most valuable assets on the team, Jones is likely thinking about how to ensure the team has enough resources to build a complete and sustainable roster. This is especially critical for a team like the Cowboys, who are on the brink of contending for a Super Bowl but may need more than just one star player to get there.

Despite Jones’ comments, there’s no question that Micah Parsons is among the most electrifying players in the NFL today. From the moment he stepped onto the field for the Cowboys in 2021, he has been a transformative force on defense. Whether rushing the passer, covering receivers, or defending the run, Parsons has proven to be a rare talent who can do it all. His ability to change the momentum of a game is unparalleled, and his leadership on the field has already made him a key figure in the Cowboys’ defense.

Parsons has also shown a remarkable maturity and work ethic for a player of his age. At just 24 years old, he’s already one of the most respected players in the NFL, not just for his athleticism but also for his approach to the game. He’s developed into a leader on the Cowboys’ defense, with many of his teammates looking to him as the emotional center of the unit.

However, Parsons is also keenly aware of his worth and the business side of the NFL. The linebacker has made no secret of his desire to be compensated fairly for his unique talent. He has frequently mentioned his aspirations to become one of the highest-paid defenders in the league, a goal that seems well within his reach given his performances and the value he brings to the Cowboys. Parsons’ social media presence and public comments have made it clear that he is watching the market closely and expects to be rewarded for his excellence on the field.

From the Cowboys’ perspective, though, there is a clear desire to ensure that Parsons’ commitment to the team remains steadfast, especially as his career progresses. Jones’ remarks may also be an attempt to remind Parsons—and the fans—that, in the NFL, no player is untouchable. This is not an indication of a lack of faith in Parsons, but rather a reflection of the tough decisions every NFL team has to make. The Cowboys need to ensure that they are making decisions based on both short-term success and long-term sustainability.

Jerry Jones’ comments about Parsons come at a time when the Cowboys’ championship window seems to be wide open. The team has built a strong roster, and with stars like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, and others, the Cowboys are poised to make a serious run at a Super Bowl. The defense, led by Parsons, is among the best in the league, and the offense has enough firepower to compete with the NFL’s top teams.

But with the Cowboys firmly in “win now” mode, Jones is likely balancing the need to keep the team’s key players happy and under contract with the broader goal of securing a Super Bowl title. Parsons is clearly one of the cornerstones of that future, and the franchise will likely find a way to come to terms with him financially. However, Jones’ comments are a reminder that, in the NFL, nothing is guaranteed—not even for a player as talented as Parsons.

The real challenge for Jones and the Cowboys is navigating the delicate balance of rewarding players like Parsons while maintaining the team’s financial flexibility and roster depth. Parsons is a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense, and Jones will need to ensure that he is appropriately compensated. However, the path to securing a long-term deal may not be as simple as just signing a check.

Ultimately, Jerry Jones’ comments are a reflection of the broader complexities of NFL team management. While Micah Parsons is a generational talent, Jones is cautious about making a commitment that could limit the team’s future flexibility. Jones understands the importance of retaining his star players, but he also knows that long-term success depends on the Cowboys’ ability to build a sustainable roster. The situation is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: Parsons is a vital part of the Cowboys’ future, and the team’s championship aspirations are inextricably tied to his performance on the field.