Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons isn’t just looking to reset the market; he’s trying to blow it open.
The Dallas star reportedly wants to become the NFL‘s first $200 million defensive player, according to The Dallas Morning News. That would put him well ahead of the new benchmark set by Myles Garrett, who just inked a four-year, $160 million extension with the Cleveland Browns earlier in the offseason.
Micah Parsons Seeks Record-Breaking Deal, Cowboys Patient
Talks have already started, as his agent, David Mulugheta, met with the Cowboys during the NFL Scouting Combine back in February. But as of now, things haven’t progressed much beyond that, though a person with knowledge of the discussions told The Dallas Morning News that team owner Jerry Jones has had extensive talks with Parsons about his contract.
The Cowboys are reportedly waiting to see how the rest of the market shakes out before making a move, especially with other pass rusher deals still available. While an initial asking price that would make him the highest-paid defensive player ever may sound hyperbolic, Parsons’ performance warrants it, or at least close to it.
The 25-year-old has racked up 52.5 sacks in just four seasons. He finished the 2024 campaign with 12 sacks and 23 quarterback hits, despite missing four games with an ankle sprain. His résumé already speaks for itself: Defensive Rookie of the Year, four Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro selections, and a second-team nod.
Parsons has never been shy about his goals on or off the field. He’s mentioned wanting to be remembered as one of the greatest defenders of all time, and he knows what that means in today’s NFL.
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The Cowboys, meanwhile, aren’t exactly known for getting these things done quickly. Just ask Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb, both of whom ended up signing big-money deals but only after long, drawn-out negotiations that dragged well past the point of comfort.
Delaying Parsons’ extension could follow this pattern, especially as other top defenders secure lucrative deals, potentially raising the market value. The possibility of a holdout also looms if negotiations stall.
Historically, Cowboys players, including running back Ezekiel Elliot (through his infamous Cabo excursion) and recently retired guard Zack Martin, have employed such tactics to secure favorable contracts. Parsons’ commitment to attending voluntary workouts, which commence April 7, remains uncertain.
With the price tag already sky-high — and likely to climb — the clock is ticking in Dallas.
If the Cowboys want to avoid another drawn-out, high-stakes contract standoff, locking up one of the most dynamic defensive players in NFL history sooner rather than later might be in their best interest.