Micah Parsons trade: Jerry Jones addresses reported ultimatum issued amid contract talks

In the aftermath of Micah Parsons’ trade to the Green Bay Packers, NFL Network’s Jane Slater reported Jerry Jones issued the star linebacker an ultimatum. He reportedly told Parsons to play his fifth year with the Dallas Cowboys “or leave.”

After a week filled with rumors, Jones and the Cowboys officially sent Parsons to the Packers on Thursday. In exchange, Dallas received two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark.

Speaking with reporters Thursday night, Jones confirmed there was a conversation about getting ready to play the Philadelphia Eagles. However, he didn’t get into any more specifics.

“We had some dialogue,” Jones said. “I’m not going to get into specifics because I don’t think that characterizes it. But it was not anywhere out of the [ordinary] or anything like that.

“Basically, I think I’ve read where they said that I replied, ‘We’re playing under the contract as it exists right now. Get ready to play Philadelphia.’ Correct. That was correct.”

Jerry Jones: Micah Parsons trade in Cowboys’ ‘best interest’

Micah Parsons is set to sign a four-year deal worth $188 million, including $136 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports. He will also get $120 million at signing.

When asked about why he made the move – despite previously saying he had no interest in doing so – Jerry Jones said he wanted to do what was best for the Cowboys. That meant focusing on the rushing defense, rather than keeping its star pass rusher.

“Without being too broad, obviously, we did think it was in the best interest of our organization – not only the future, but right now this season, as well,” Jones said. “We’ve gained a Pro Bowl player in an area that we had big concerns in, on the inside of our defense.

“Let me go beyond your question. First of all, I want to tell you that I really like Micah. I appreciate the four years that we’ve had him here. He’s a great player. We are very appreciative of the fact that he’s a great player. There’s no question that I could have signed him in April. We all know that to have agreements, all parties have to agree. But this was by design. I did make Micah an offer. It wasn’t acceptable, and I honor the fact that it wasn’t done in the way that he wanted to do it through an agent. He was made an offer.”