Jerry Jones has a knack for making things more complicated than they need to be. It’s almost his signature move at this point. Last summer, it was CeeDee Lamb who held out of training camp, forcing Jones to scramble while his top receiver stayed away in protest of a delayed extension. It turned into a public standoff that only ended when the pressure hit boiling point. And here we are again, another offseason, another questionable decision about Micah Parsons. But this time, it’s not about who Jerry hasn’t paid. It’s about who he just did.

On Saturday night, the Cowboys handed tight end Jake Ferguson a 4-year, $52 million contract, including $30 million guaranteed and a $12 million signing bonus, per Ian Rapoport. It’s a massive investment for a player who had a solid 2024 but wasn’t exactly screaming elite. Ferguson posted 59 catches for 494 yards, good numbers, especially for a tight end who also carried a heavy blocking load.

He played in all 17 games, started every one, and gave Dak Prescott a reliable target over the middle. He’s ascending, no doubt. But $52 million? That’s serious money. No one’s saying Ferguson didn’t deserve a raise. He’s dependable. He’s tough. And he’s grown each year. But the timing of this deal feels like deja vu.

Just like Lamb last year, Micah Parsons is now the one stuck waiting, watching Jerry write fat checks for players not named Micah. While Jake Ferguson just got $30 million guaranteed, the guy who’s carried this defense for three years straight is still watching from the sidelines.

But unless your name is trending at the right moment, Jerry might still make you wait.

Micah Parsons might leave the Cowboys

Micah Parsons has said it himself, he’s not here to play games. Back in June, when asked about his pending deal, he said, “I’m not rushing anything. But I know my worth. And if they don’t see it soon, I’m not going to beg.” He doesn’t need to. The DE has recorded 52.5 sacks in the 63 games over 4 years.

Parsons isn’t holding out. He’s showing up. But he’s also sending a message. Because while the rest of the league’s elite pass rushers are cashing monster checks, TJ Watt, Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, Parsons is still stuck waiting for Jerry Jones to stop dragging his boots and do what everyone in football knows needs to be done. Pay the man.

After practice, Parsons didn’t hide his frustration. “There’s not really much movement, man,” he said flatly when asked about his extension. “I’ve always stated I want to be here. But at the end of the day, they sign the checks. Let’s see if they want me to be here at the end of the day.” It wasn’t emotional. It was matter-of-fact. The tone of someone who’s done asking and just waiting for a yes or a no.

The kicker? Parsons isn’t making threats. He’s just laying it out. “If they don’t want me here, they don’t want me here. I’ll go on about my business,” he added. That kind of quote doesn’t come from drama. It comes from cold clarity. And if you’re Dallas, that should make your stomach turn. Because make no mistake, Micah Parsons is next in line.

He’s earned that paycheck. He’s the face of the defense. The soul of the locker room. Three straight All-Pro caliber campaigns. And yet, here we are. Jerry Jones is pretending like time is on his side. Maybe it’s strategic. Maybe it’s ego. But whatever it is, it’s risky.