Former GM predicts how Myles Garrett deal will impact Cowboys

Myles Garrett reset the market for defensive players when he agreed to a massive contract extension with the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, and the deal is expected to have a direct impact on the Dallas Cowboys. One former general manager has now shared a prediction for just how significant that impact will be.

Roughly a month after he requested a trade, Garrett agreed to a deal with the Browns that will reportedly pay him $40 million annually and $123.5 million guaranteed. Garrett is now set to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Maxx Crosby briefly held that title last week when he agreed to an extension with the Las Vegas Raiders that is worth $35.5 million per year, so Garrett surpassed that mark by nearly $5 million per year.

Micah Parsons could be next. The star pass-rusher is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Cowboys. Parsons has 52.5 sacks in just four NFL seasons and is one of the most disruptive players in the NFL. He had 12 sacks in 13 games this season, which was the lowest mark of his career.

Given his resume, Parsons will almost certainly ask for at least the same average annual salary as Garrett. Former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum predicts that waiting until after Garrett signed his deal will cost the Cowboys at least an additional $30 million if they re-sign Parsons.