Who will come out on top in the Micah Parsons contract saga, the All-Pro edge rusher or Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones? Fans just want the drama to end, but this standoff is far from simple. For former NFL MVP Cam Newton, Parsons currently holds little leverage.
Newton made these remarks on Thursday on ESPN's "First Take," where he's returned under a new multi-year deal. Broadcasting live from Norfolk State as part of the show's HBCU Tour, Newton emphasized Jones' business acumen.
"Jerry Jones has shown himself to be an unbelievable businessman," Newton said. "He has the most profitable sports organization in the world."
The Cowboys owner has taken a firm stand amid Parsons' holdout and trade demands, reminding the linebacker that he remains under contract with potential franchise tag scenarios looming.
Newton noted, "We got you for three years," referring to Jones' reiterated leverage, including two franchise tags. "If we want to be petty, you’re still under contract this year."
Newton stressed the core issue: leverage in business. He said, "What's your leverage? And I don't think Parsons has a lot of leverage in this case to demand what he's willing to ask for."
Parsons is unlikely to get everything he's asking for from Jones. The negotiations are expected to be tough. As Newton pointed out, Jones has seen and managed a number of contract sagas before, including those involving Emmitt Smith and Ezekiel Elliott.
Parsons will likely want to be the highest-paid defensive player in the league, and Jones appears willing to offer a top-tier deal. What remains to be seen is how the negotiations will ultimately conclude.