What Really Happened Between Jerry Jones and Micah Parsons?

Inside the Micah Parsons Trade: Why Jerry Jones Let Micah Parsons go

From the outside, it looks like a good old-fashioned breakdown in communication.

We know Jerry Jones and Micah Parsons met face-to-face back in April. According to Jerry, they reached a non-binding handshake agreement—a verbal understanding rooted in trust. But when the formal offer hit Parsons’ agent’s desk, it was rejected. Why? Presumably, it didn’t serve Micah’s long-term interests. And instead of reengaging, Jerry walked away. In his mind, the deal had already been made.

That’s where things get murky. According to several reports, the two sides never reengaged in negotiations.

Here’s my theory:

Jerry traded Micah because he couldn’t stomach what felt like a betrayal. In his mind, Parsons reneged on a gentleman’s agreement. And that’s not how Jerry does business. He’s said before that he bought the Cowboys on a handshake. That’s his code. When I heard him reference that again, I knew he wasn’t going to pivot. Not for Micah. Not for anyone.

Jerry has more to answer for. Why didn’t the Cowboys field offers from teams with worse records—like the Panthers, Jets, or Titans? A first-round pick from any of those franchises would’ve had more value in the 2026 draft than what they got from Green Bay. Instead, they shipped Parsons to a team they’ll likely compete with for playoff positioning. It’s not just a trade—it’s a strategic misfire.

In Thursday night’s press conference, Jerry called the move “better for the franchise.” Let’s be honest—that’s bologna. This wasn’t about cap space or roster construction. It was personal. Jerry’s leaning on his past, on his instincts, on his gambler’s gut. And this time, he bet against one of the best defensive players in football.