Agent: Parsons’ first choice was ‘to be a Cowboy’

Micah Parsons had never planned to sit out this season and would have played for the Dallas Cowboys in Thursday’s regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, even if he had not been traded to the Green Bay Packers last week, his agent David Mulugheta told ESPN’s «First Take» on Tuesday.

Mulugheta said the Cowboys were never told that Parsons would not play.

«Never,» Mulugheta said. «I mean Micah loves the game too much. He was going to play no matter what.»

In fact, Mulugheta contended that Parsons’ first choice was always to remain in Dallas.

«I think the most important thing is Micah wanted to be a Cowboy,» Mulugheta said. «He grew up cheering for the Cowboys, wore the blue and white at Penn State, wore it in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys. He wanted to be a Cowboy and we did everything we could for him to remain a Cowboy.»

Packers signed Parsons to four-year, $188 million contract extension, with $120 million guaranteed at signing, sources told ESPN.

Jones said the Cowboys’ offer was for the largest guaranteed money for a non-quarterback in NFL history, and a source told ESPN it was «north of $150 million.» At the time of the supposed agreement, the $40.5 million average per year from the Cowboys would have made Parsons the highest-paid defensive player based on average-per-year.

The biggest difference in the offers from the Cowboys and the Packers was length. The Cowboys’ offer was a five-year extension, which in Mulugheta’s mind could have cost Parsons $60 million to $70 million in future earnings.

«That’s why I say the devil is in the details,» Mulugheta told ESPN.

Parsons practiced with the Packers on Monday. He appeared to be a limited participant because of a back injury that Mulugheta said has been treated with anti-inflammatories and could require additional treatment for Parsons to play in the Packers’ season opener against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

«What I will tell you, is that Micah is going to do everything he possibly can to get on the football field, the same way he did when he was in a Cowboys jersey,» Mulugheta said.

Mulugheta’s partner at Athletes First, Trevon Smith, represents Cowboys receiver George Pickens, who is in the final year of his contract. Mulugheta said any ill feelings created by the Parsons’ situation would not impact Pickens’ chances of remaining in Dallas.

«There’s nothing personal here. It’s a business transaction as far as the contract’s concerned,» Mulugheta said. «So if George Pickens does what we expect him to do, which is be one of the best receivers in the NFL this year, we’ll have those conversations with the Cowboys. And if they’re open to having that dialogue with us and negotiate a long-term deal, then we’d love for George Pickens to be a star with the star on his helmet. If that’s not the case, then we’ll see what else is out there for him.»