Jerry Jones: Parsons' contract situation not urgent 'at all'

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones addressed Micah Parsons' contract situation Tuesday, confirming that Dallas is in no rush to extend its top defensive player.

"I don't view it as urgent at all," Jones said, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic.

"I'd rather pay more and get it right," added Jones, suggesting that he wouldn't mind waiting before inevitably rewarding Parsons with a lucrative extension.

Jones said he's had conversations directly with Parsons, according to Machota. The 82-year-old also seemingly took a shot at Parsons' agent, David Mulugheta, one of the most respected agents in the NFL.

"The agent is not a factor here or something to worry about," Jones said. "I don't know his name. ... I'm not trying to demean him in any way, but this isn't about an agent. The agent doesn't have one thing to do with what we're doing when we get on a football field against a team. Micah does, to the degree I'm involved, I do."

Parsons responded to Jones' remarks about his agent on social media, calling Mulugheta "the best."

"I will not be doing any deal without David Mulugheta involved," Parsons wrote. "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."

Jones' comments come after Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said last week that they felt "good" about negotiations with Parsons, who's entering the last year of his rookie contract. The 25-year-old is expected to become the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback when he signs a new deal.

Jerry Jones said Tuesday he has a solid relationship with Parsons.

"Micah is one of three individuals that has my cellphone number," he said. "He asked for it about a month ago and said, 'I want to be able to talk to you at any time.'"

Jones added: "I've spent five, six hours with him myself, and had a lot of discussions. Most of the issues are in agreement, and I've discussed it all. But we obviously don't have an agreement. ... Micah is under contract, so we'll see how that goes."

Parsons is reportedly expected to ask for a $200-million contract extension. Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett became football's highest-paid defender earlier this month after signing a four-year, $160-million deal.

Parsons ranks fifth in sacks and second in defensive pressures since entering the NFL in 2021, according to Football Reference.