The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly preparing a contract extension for star linebacker Micah Parsons that could reach an unprecedented $43 to $45 million per year, according to NFL sources. This potential deal is expected to solidify Parsons as the highest-paid edge rusher in the league when finalized later this year.
Current Contract Status and Team Dynamics
Parsons, currently under contract through the 2025 season with a $24 million cap hit, is set to become a free agent in 2026. Despite some public tension following Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’s incorrect comments about Parsons’ missed games in 2024, the player has maintained his participation throughout training camp. Industry insiders remain confident that a new long-term deal will be completed soon.
Comparison with Other Leading Defensive Player Contracts
Earlier in the offseason, the defensive pay scale was pushed higher when the Cleveland Browns signed Myles Garrett to a record $40 million annual average value contract. The Pittsburgh Steelers later surpassed that with T.J. Watt’s extension, worth $41 million per year with $108 million guaranteed. Parsons’ projected deal would exceed Watt’s by at least $2 million annually, setting a new benchmark for edge rushers.
Context Around the Cowboys’ Contract Strategy
This anticipated agreement follows the Cowboys’ recent trend of awarding top players high-value contracts, similar to Dak Prescott‘s $60 million per year deal signed last year that broke previous quarterback salary records. Parsons’ impressive 2024 stats—46 pressures, 23 quarterback hits, 12 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks in 13 games—further support the case for an elite-level contract.
Implications of the New Deal for Parsons and the NFL
If the extension materializes as projected, it will mark a significant milestone in NFL player compensation, reflecting the increasing value placed on premier defensive talent. The deal will reinforce Parsons’ standing as a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense and set new standards for negotiations involving edge rushers league-wide.
“Everyone around the league expects a new deal to be signed this year.” —James Palmer, NFL Reporter
“Jerry Jones took a shot at Parsons’ agent and incorrectly stated the number of games the All-Pro edge rusher missed in 2024.” —NFL Insider
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Micah Parsons have a child?
A. Personal life. Parsons became a dad to a son named Malcolm in May 2018. He chose not to play in the 2020 college football season because he was concerned about COVID-19 affecting Malcolm’s health. On January 14, 2023, Parsons had a daughter.