The NFL Scouting Combine usually runs like clockwork. Young prospects take the field, coaches whisper in corners, and Jerry Jones parks his bus in Indianapolis, ready to hold court with the media. It’s been a tradition—one of those signature Cowboys moments, like Thanksgiving games and Super Bowl dreams that never quite materialize. But this year? No bus, no Jerry. Just silence.

Speculation ran wild. Was he making a statement? Dodging tough questions? Or simply too busy plotting Dallas’ next move? Turns out, it was the latter. And right at the center of that next move? Micah Parsons. With his contract extension now creeping into the spotlight, Jones might have missed his annual Combine tradition—but he isn’t missing a beat when it comes to securing the Cowboys’ future.

Is it going to rain money for Parsons? CEO Stephen Jones talked about having a “selectively strategic and aggressive” strategy for this offseason. Well, so far, we haven’t seen that translate into action. But things are finally heating up. Micah’s contract is something everyone is waiting for a decision on. The LB still has one year left on his contract, i.e. the club’s one-year option on his $17.08 million rookie contract. But he has been awaiting an extension.

Reporters at the Scouting Combine tried to get an answer, but Stephen Jones and HC Brian remained tight-lipped. Now that the Scouting Combine has come to an end, a few reports are saying that extension talks have begun with the LB. As reported by Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys have begun contract extension talks with Micah Parsons’ agent. The conversation is still in the “early stages.” “Cowboys have held general conversations with the agent for Micah Parsons about a contract extension, two people with knowledge of the discussions tell @dmn_cowboys.“

The 25-year-old, in his final year, will pocket $24.01 million. In an interview with ESPN, Stephen Jones said, “There’s always extenuating circumstances to these things. Every contract negotiation is different.” Earlier, Stephen told reporters at the NFL Combine that the team would “positively” sit down with Parsons for extension talks. “I don’t necessarily know that there’s a lot of extenuating situations out there that would prevent us from being able to get our hands around something with Micah, but we’ll see,” he added. 

So, it looks like the Cowboys will most likely keep their defensive star on the squad. On the other hand, multiple reports are also saying that the team will put a franchise tag on defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. The 26-year-old’s agent was reportedly having extension talks with the front office. But if they don’t reach any conclusion by Tuesday, Dallas might put a franchise tag on Osa.

All the little information we got this time about the team’s offseason approach was from either Stephen Jones or HC Schottenheimer. The NFL world couldn’t digest why Jerry Jones was missing from the spotlight.

Mystery solved: Cowboys reveal reason behind Jerry Jones’ no-show

You got some of the juiciest statements from the Scouting Combine this year. But you missed out on a whole lot of entertainment with Jerry Jones’ absence. The 82-year-old kept himself away from the spotlight this time, which is strangely unusual. This left everyone wondering what was up with Mr. Jones. This time, all the appearances and media talks were handled by Jerry’s elder son and the team’s VP, Stephen Jones. It’s been more than a month since we heard from Jerry. The last time he spoke was when he introduced Brian Schottenheimer as the new HC in late January.

Well, everyone was at least expecting the Cowboys owner at his annual Scouting Combine bus visit with reporters. That was a years-old tradition of his. But sadly, he missed that one too. As everyone was curious to know what might be up with Jerry, The Dallas Morning News got the answer. It turned out that Mr. Jones had other meetings lined up that clashed with his Scouting Combine bus visit. “Jones was tentatively scheduled to meet with the media Friday afternoon after his arrival at the Combine. But a club spokesperson said the Cowboys owner had a conflict with other commitments and meetings that had been scheduled,” reported David Moore.

“He won’t hold his customary session on the Cowboys bus but is expected to be available to address the team’s offseason approach next week.” So, there you have it. Nothing is up with Jerry. He’s just got a lot of offseason work to handle. His absence is also a media spectacle. And you’ll see him in front of the cameras soon. After all, nothing can come between Mr. Jones and his spotlight.