Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was asked after Tuesday’s practice whether he was confident Micah Parsons would play in the team’s Week 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 82-year-old’s response?
‘No, absolutely not,’ Jones told reporters, per NFL reporter Ed Werder. ‘A big part of that is his decision. How would I know that? I’m just saying. But I’m urgent.’
Jones’ admission comes after Parsons demanded a trade away from the Cowboys on Friday, who have been unable to reach a lucrative extension with the 26-year-old.
Parsons, a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is seeking a contract that will make him one of the highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL after he generated 52.5 sacks and made two All-Pro teams over his first four NFL seasons.
‘Unfortunately I no longer want to be here,’ Parsons said in a post announcing his trade request. ‘I no longer want to be held to close door negotiations without my agent present.’
‘I would say to our fans, don’t lose any sleep over this,’ Jones said during training camp practices on Aug. 2.
He has also pointed to the positive resolutions of the team’s long-term negotiations with Emmitt Smith, Zack Martin, CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott as reasons for Cowboys fans to keep the faith.
That said, if Parsons does opt to hold out while awaiting a new contract, it could prove problematic for Dallas’ defense. The Cowboys allowed an average of 30.3 points and 374.3 yards per game in the four contests Parsons missed last season, compared to 26.7 points and 349.4 yards in the 13 games he played.