Overview

• A preseason photo of Parsons lying on a trainer’s table was clarified by a Cowboys reporter as a brief rest, and Parsons publicly thanked him for the context.
• Jones has taken a hard line, citing a March exchange where agent David Mulugheta allegedly told the team to “stick it up our ass,” and saying there is “not room for a third” in negotiations.
• Parsons has requested a trade, has not played in the preseason, and is reported to be managing back tightness.
• Dallas holds near-term control after exercising Parsons’ fifth-year option for 2025 at about $24 million, with the franchise tag still a future lever.
• The impasse persists as the season opener in Philadelphia approaches, though ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said on air he expects a long-term agreement in Dallas.