Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys may still be hammering out contract details, but Parsons himself is as cool as a cucumber. The All-Pro linebacker is eyeing the biggest non-quarterback contract in NFL history, ready to surpass the hefty deals of Myles Garrett and Ja’Marr Chase.
Parsons, exuding confidence, shrugged off any concerns about how existing contracts might impact his impending payday. “Not really, because I’m just going to get mine no matter what,” he said, in reference to Garrett’s massive deal, as reported by PennLive. Parsons brings clarity to the contract frenzy by noting that all deals revolve around the salary cap, which notably jumped another 18% this year. These rising percentages mean big payouts for top players, but for Parsons, it’s not just about numbers—it’s about positioning in the ever-evolving salary landscape.
While Garrett and Chase are each pocketing $40 million annually, they currently lead the non-quarterback earnings race, with no others reaching past that $35.6 million mark—perhaps a sign of team caution when it comes to laying down huge sums for positions other than quarterback. Yet, Parsons is well on his way to shaking up that list. His formidable performances on the field are writing checks that the Cowboys might soon need to cash if he gets a deal surpassing Garrett’s and later Chase’s, whose jaw-dropping $40.25 million annual record reset the standard.
Just 24 years old, Parsons is not only young but a force of continuity, missing just six games over his first four NFL seasons—all in this past season. His stats are nothing short of remarkable, with no season featuring fewer than 12 sacks. This past year marked the first time in his career that he didn’t earn an All-Pro nod, but his track record screams elite performance.
The Cowboys have faced their share of criticism over their protracted contract extension strategies. These delays have historically cost them big, raising the stakes of high-profile signings like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, whose deals ranked amongst the top at their positions when finalized. Critics suggest they might have saved some cash by pulling the trigger earlier, rather than letting market values escalate first.
Parsons might soon find himself in a similar situation, but his outlook seems unfazed. He hasn’t resorted to sitting out or holding back during negotiations, setting him apart from many in his shoes. For now, all eyes remain on Dallas as they work to lock down their prized defender.
