Jerry Jones: Parsons trade in 'best interest' of Cowboys' future

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones says that trading star pass-rusher Micah Parsons was done to help bring success to the franchise for years to come.

"We did think it was in the best interest of our organization. Not only in the future, but right now," Jones said Thursday, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Nick Harris.

The Cowboys dealt Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and a pair of first-round selections in the 2026 and 2027 drafts.

The Packers and Parsons then immediately agreed to a four-year extension reportedly worth $188 million.

The trade came together after Parsons and the Cowboys engaged in bitter contract negotiations. Jones previously stated that Dallas wouldn't trade Parsons, who was set to play out the fifth and final year of his rookie contract.

Parsons' representatives went back to the Cowboys to discuss an extension after news about trade interest was leaked earlier in the week. The Cowboys responded to the request by telling Parsons to "play on the fifth year or leave," the 26-year-old star told NFL Network's Jane Slater. Jones confirmed that the two sides spoke but declined to go into details regarding the specifics of the conversations.

"He's a great player. There's no question that I could have signed him in April," Jones said, per Harris. "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 honored the fact that it wasn't done how he wanted it through an agent. There's not an ounce of vindictiveness ... that we didn't come together on an agreement."

Jones said the decision to trade Parsons was made unanimously between Dallas' front office, coaching staff, and certain players on the leadership council.

Jones is confident that moving on from the talented edge rusher will not only provide Dallas with draft capital, but help the team improve their run defense immediately with the addition of Clark. The Cowboys GM added that the two first-round selections they acquired could be flipped in the near future.

"Nothing says we can't use some of those picks right now to go get somebody right now," Jones said, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

He revealed that the team had discussed potentially trading Parsons as early as this spring.

"This trade was not just thought about today. This trade has been going on in our minds, in our strategies all spring (and summer). We've laid a lot of things out on the water to make it happen," Jones said.