This offseason has been all about the defensive players. A year after quarterbacks and wide receivers were getting big-money deals, most of the focus this year has been on the defensive end. Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett signed deals that made them the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
But the record went back to Ja’Marr Chase when he signed his extension. However, a few prime names, like T.J. Watt and Trey Hendrickson, are still in line for extensions that could take them over the Garrett number. As it turns out, Adam Schefter may have revealed who among the two could break the $160 million mark.
Trey Hendrickson or T.J. Watt Eclipsing Myles Garrett?
Seven of the 10 largest contracts signed during the first two days of this year’s free agency period went to defensive players. That was before Derek Stingley signed his historic three-year, $90 million contract, or Kerby Joseph became the highest-paid safety in the sport.
However, the cream of the crop was the deal signed between Garrett and the Cleveland Browns, worth $160 million over four years. As it turns out, it might not be long before the former Defensive Player of the Year loses his standing as the highest-paid defender in the league.
Both Watt and Hendrickson are among the most terrifying defenders in the sport. While the latter led the league in sacks last year, Watt has accomplished the feat three times in his career, an NFL record.
But neither of them has gotten the big-money payday they anticipated going into the offseason. While the Pittsburgh Steelers have had other areas to address this offseason, adding Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf to the roster, the Cincinnati Bengals have focused elsewhere.
According to lead NFL insider Adam Schefter, during an appearance on “Unsportsmanlike” on ESPN, a third name could take over the mantle from Garrett. “Micah Parsons, I expect to become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.”
.@AdamSchefter expects @MicahhParsons11 to become the highest paid defensive player in NFL history. @ZipRecruiter | @ESPNRadio pic.twitter.com/5QUk3JWCsy
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) June 17, 2025
Earlier in the week, the Cleveland Browns superstar gave the Dallas Cowboys star his vote of approval, hoping that he earned every penny he was worth.
Schefter had a different opinion of the other two: “Hendrickson, Watt, I think it will be in the Crosby-Garrett range, somewhere in there. I don’t have an exact number.” The trio of Hendrickson, Watt, and Parsons is among the best defenders in the league.
Over the last two years, all three have been in the top 10 of sack leaders. Moreover, Watt and Hendrickson led the league in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
However, being only 26 years old, Parsons’s age factor could give him the largest contract in the sport.
