Cowboys' Jerry vs. Micah Strategy is Perfectly Clear

On a recent episode of The Breakfast Ball, Mark Schlereth didn’t hold back ... blasting Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for claiming not to know David Mulugheta, Micah Parsons’ agent, and for suggesting the agent is “not a factor” in contract talks.

"This is why a head coach shouldn't be a GM,'' said Schlereth, the former NFL offensive lineman. "This is why the owner shouldn't be the GM."

We appreciate Mark's passion. And he's not alone in believing Jerry should fire himself as GM ... an idea held by millions in Cowboys Nation.

But what about the actual remark?

On the surface, it’s a wild comment. Mulugheta is one of the most powerful and recognizable agents in football. Our very educated guess is that Jerry knows exactly who he is. 

But as with most things Jerry says ... it was a complicated combination of "gibberish'' and "calculation.''

"Gibberish'' because Jerry likes to hear himself talk.

And ...

Here’s what’s likely true, based on the numbers as first reported here at CowboysCountry.com: Jerry and Micah are already on the same page in principle. The structure, the length, the average annual value ... maybe much of it all green-lit. 

But guaranteed money is the real negotiation, and that’s the part agents and players don’t like to compromise on - understandably so.

And that's where Mulugheta isn’t just representing Micah; he’s representing the market. His reputation. His entire clientele base.

And here's a guess: When the agent didn't rapidly align with the head-nods exchanged between Jerry and Micah? 

Jerry responded publicly. With some gibberish, yes, but also strategically, and maybe even emotionally.

But let’s be clear: Dallas - barring Parsons doing what some players foolishly do and announcing emptily that "I'll sit out the season!'' - holds much of the leverage. Micah is under contract in 2025 (5th-year option that guarantees $24 million). And the Cowboys can still tag him twice after that and maintain contractual control throughout the 2027 season if they really wanted to. 

And if that happens, the total fifth-year option and franchise tag cost over three years would still be less than what they’re reportedly offering now.

So no, Jerry’s not blameless. But he’s not scrambling and he's not stupid. He’s making it perfectly clear: There’s a deal on the table. He thinks it should be done. Micah may think something similar.

And the one person holding it up is the guy Jerry is pretending doesn't merit mention by name.