Micah Parsons hasn’t outright refused to extend his contract with the Dallas Cowboys, but tensions and public drama have definitely surfaced around the negotiations. Parsons, a star edge rusher entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2025 with a $24 million fifth-year option, is reportedly seeking a record-breaking $200 million extension, which would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. While he’s expressed a desire to stay with the Cowboys long-term, saying, “I know I’m going to be a Cowboy” and “I want to be here my whole life,” the negotiations have been far from smooth.
The drama escalated due to a combination of stalled talks and public missteps. Reports indicate that no “meaningful” contract discussions have occurred, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has stirred controversy by bypassing Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, and attempting direct negotiations with Parsons. Jones even claimed he didn’t know Mulugheta’s name, prompting Parsons to defend his agent on social media, stating, “David is the best and I will not be doing any deal without [him].” This public back-and-forth has fueled perceptions of discord.
Regarding the “cryptic photo,” the situation likely refers to Parsons’ social media activity on May 16, 2025, where he posted a cryptic message with five cap emojis (slang for “lie”) and the phrase “no kizzy” (meaning “no lie”) in response to a claim by insider Clarence Hill Jr. that a “handshake deal” was already done. Parsons followed up with a reference to the movie Sinners, posting a photo or clip implying that handshake deals can be betrayed, signaling his distrust in informal agreements and insistence on a formal contract. This move sparked confusion and speculation among fans, amplifying the drama around his negotiations.
Adding to the tension, Parsons’ brother, Terrence Parsons Jr., further stirred the pot by debunking a fake report from a parody Adam Schefter account claiming a $203.5 million extension was finalized. Terrence mocked the false numbers, particularly the $147.5 million in guaranteed money, suggesting they were too low for Parsons’ market value, which should align closer to Dak Prescott’s 96% guaranteed deal.
While Parsons has shown up to voluntary minicamp and expressed commitment to team chemistry, the lack of progress in talks, combined with Jones’ public comments and Parsons’ cryptic social media posts, has kept the drama alive. Some fans and analysts, as seen in X posts, are frustrated, with sentiments like “Just trade the man to a team where he can actually win” reflecting impatience with the Cowboys’ handling of the situation. For now, Parsons remains focused on playing under his current deal, but the saga suggests a long, contentious road ahead unless a deal is finalized before free agency in March 2026.