During a Dallas Cowboys Monday media availability, franchise owner Jerry Jones took a jab at former Penn State football linebacker and current Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons. In responding to questions raised regarding Parsons' contract extension (or lack thereof), Jones simultaneously made a dig at quarterback Dak Prescott.
"Just because we sign him, doesn't mean we're going to have him," Jones said to media. "[Parsons] was hurt six games last year. Seriously. I remember signing a player for the highest-paid at the position in the league and he got knocked out two-thirds of the [way through the] year: Dak Prescott. There's a lot of things you can think about — just as the player does — when you're thinking committing and guaranteeing money."
The insensitivity of the Prescott comment did not go unnoticed, especially as the quarterback's season-ending injury in 2024 has nothing to do with Parsons' contract extension beyond 2025. Digging at Parsons, too, was also unnecessary considering he returned during the season and Jones is now referencing this ghost injury as a reason to halt all progress with his deal.
In response to Jones' Monday statements, former NFL defensive end JJ Watt made a sarcastic comment on social media.
"Anytime you can publicly take a dig at your star quarterback and your star pass rusher simultaneously, right before the season begins, you just gotta take it . . ." Watt wrote. "Nothing makes guys want to fight for you more than hearing how upset you are that they got hurt while fighting for you."
The Cowboys defensive end was definitely displeased with Jones' comments to media as he retweeted Watt's response.
Parsons suffered a high ankle sprain against the New York Giants in Week 4 and missed action until Week 10 of the 2024 regular season. He missed four games, not six as Jones said on Monday (Dallas had a bye week in Week 7).
In the offseason, Parsons opted to take it easy as to not aggravate his ankle unnecessarily, but still showed up to be a leader for the team regardless of his personal situation.
The former Nittany Lion is entering his last year under his rookie contract with Dallas. He's been a Pro Bowl selection all four seasons and was the 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Between his accolades and leap in leadership, Parsons should be on his way to becoming the highest-paid non-quarterback player in the league. He just needs to be patient enough to do it Jones' way.