Cowboys Micah Parsons Rumor Suggests Shocking Contract

One of the last major things to accomplish on the Dallas Cowboys' checklist this offseason, we assume, is put pen to paper on a contract extension for All-Pro defensive end Micah Parsons.

The edge rusher is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and as one of the best defensive players in football, is eligible for what could be a historic deal and yet another record-breaking defensive end contract this offseason ... whenever it becomes official.

Earlier this offseason, contracts for edge rushers like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett reset the market for the position's value. With Micah next in line, many expect his deal to meet this extraordinary number, as Parsons rightfully belongs in that category for his elite play on the field.

Or ... this number could be exceeded. But by how much?

After reports of stalled negotiations, Bleacher Report investigated situations around the league. Kurt Benkert believes Parsons' next contract could reach astronomical heights, despite already impressive $35-40 million projections.

Benkert reports that these negotiations could close with Micah signing for an "average (of) $45 million per season".

How much!?

For reference, Garrett's deal averages $40 million a year. Danielle Hunter's sits at $35.6 million with Crosby just behind at $35.5 million per season, according to Spotrac.

Parsons eclipsing 45 would blow the rest of the league out of the water, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history and the most valued defensive player ever financially.

"Parsons is one of the best defensive players in the NFL—a fact (Jerry) Jones knows as well as we do," Benkert said. "There’s zero chance that the Cowboys head into the 2025 season without Parsons being among the league’s highest-paid defenders."

The conversation isn't about keeping Parsons in Dallas for the longterm, but what numerical value will be next to the dotted line. 

Sources told CowboysCountry.com earlier this offseason that many of the terms of the contract were already agreed upon, which may include the annual salary. … and we have been told that five years at $40 million per totaling $200 million has been the conversational centerpiece.

That is $40 million APY. So we don’t know how anybody is coming up with $45 mil.

But until anything becomes official, we are left to speculate just how much Jones and the Cowboys are willing to compensate their star.

Parsons is also expected to step into a larger leadership role as a veteran on new head coach Brian Schottenheimer's defense. On the field, it is already no question that Micah is the engine to Dallas' front seven.

Last season, Parsons made history by totaling double-digit sacks (12) for the fourth consecutive season to begin a career. Only Hall-of-Famers Dwight Freeney, Derrick Thomas and Reggie White have accomplished such feat.

Micah could stretch that streak in 2025, but we expect him to make more history before then in the form as a massive new contract.