The Dallas Cowboys face growing pressure to secure linebacker Micah Parsons with a contract that reflects his rising status in the NFL, as discussions continue amid offseason negotiations. Parsons, a four-time Pro Bowler since his 2021 first-round draft selection, is aiming to become the NFL’s highest-paid defender, a move former NFL quarterback Cam Newton strongly supports.
Despite the Cowboys exercising the fifth-year option on Parsons’ rookie contract in April, extension talks have stalled, and the player participated in the team‘s minicamp last month without an agreement in place. Newton expressed on the 4th&1 podcast that Parsons has fully earned the right to top the league in defensive salaries and warned that if Dallas does not act quickly, other teams may step in with enticing offers.
Newton stated,
“If Micah Parsons becomes the top-paid defender in the league, and it’s pointing towards it, is he not worth it? It doesn’t matter if he’s top five, top six, or top 20. I don’t think anyyone will be completely blown away in disbelief if Parsons becomes the top-paid defender in the league. He’s earned it, and it’s only a matter of time.”
—Cam Newton, Former NFL Quarterback
Newton also highlighted the business reality facing cowboy ownership, saying,
“If you say Myles Garrett is more skillful or some other particular defender, its’ goping to be relevant for a couple of week because of how this league and the CBA work, its’ going to be topped in a couple of weeks. And if anybody knows, Mr. Jerry Jones knows that. If Jerry ain’t going to pay him, somebody might be happy to pay him.”
—Cam Newton, Former NFL Quarterback
Parsons’ 2023 season was impressive despite missing four games due to a high ankle sprain. He appeared in 13 games, tallying 43 total tackles, 12 sacks, and 23 quarterback hits, but the Cowboys ended with a 7-10 record, missing the playoffs. His performance reinforces his value as a foundational defensive player for the franchise.
Insights from Browns Defensive End Myles Garrett on Parsons’ Contract Status
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who himself signed a lucrative four-year, $160 million contract extension averaging $40 million per year, weighed in on Parsons’ contract talks during a discussion with analyst Abby Jones. Garrett praised Parsons’ commitment and on-field production as a clear justification for top-tier compensation.
Garrett commented,
“I think he deserves whatever he’s earned. I mean, the guy is special. Once I got the chance to work with him. I’ve seen his work ethic. … He’s 100% committed to his craft and getting better every day.”
—Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns DE
He added,
“And someone, who produces on the field. He has that level of dedication to the game. He should get every penny he’s owed.”
—Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns DE
With the Dallas Cowboys preparing to begin training camp on July 21, the clock is ticking for both sides to reach a deal that ensures Parsons remains with the franchise. His potential status as the NFL’s highest-paid defender carries major implications not only for his career but also for how defensive players are valued across the league.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Micah Parsons a 5 star?
A. In his early years, Parsons played varsity basketball. He was a highly-rated five-star recruit, ranked fourth in his class by 247Sports.com and seventh by ESPN.
Q. Is Micah Parsons a 99 overall?
A. Parsons said that LaVar Arrington offered him the number 11 jersey. Parsons had planned to wear number 23 in college, but LaVar suggested using 11 instead.