Myles Garrett has removed any requests for a trade from the Cleveland Browns, while speculation surrounding T.J. Watt’s situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers has also been resolved. This brings attention to Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys, as he is now positioned for a lucrative contract negotiation as the edge rusher market heats up.
Four years after the Cowboys made history by giving quarterback Dak Prescott the first-ever $40 million per year contract, it appears they’re gearing up to reward a non-quarterback with a similar deal. Earlier this year, Garrett’s four-year extension for $160 million, boasting $123.3 million guaranteed, set a precedent for high-value contracts. Likewise, Watt’s recent agreement with the Steelers, which is valued at $123 million over three years with $108 million guaranteed, has further confirmed Parsons’ potential worth in this range.
As Parsons approaches his second contract, expectations are high, and his agent, David Mulugheta, is sure to demand significant compensation. While Parsons still has two years left to play before his fifth season, his statistics are impressive, showing that he’s outperformed Watt and Garrett in some key metrics. For instance, Parsons recorded 52.5 sacks and 256 tackles in his first four seasons, surpassing both Garrett and Watt in tackles and pressures, although they each hold marginally better stats in terms of sacks.
The contrast in experience will play a role in negotiations, as both Garrett and Watt have longer tenures and accolades, including Defensive Player of the Year awards. Nonetheless, Parsons’ rookie production suggests he could follow a similar path of recognition, encouraging his camp to argue that his achievements early in his career warrant a top-tier contract.
One pivotal element is the timing of Parsons’ possible contract extension, particularly as the Cowboys could finalize a deal before Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions establishes his own market value. Historically, early deals are not commonplace for Dallas under owner Jerry Jones, but with the recent contracts set by Garrett and Watt, it’s likely that Parsons’ time to sign a monumental deal is approaching. The Cowboys may find themselves compelled to secure Parsons for more than Watt’s $41 million per year, setting a new standard within the franchise.
Overall, the landscape of defensive contracts is shifting, and the Cowboys’ decision will be crucial as they navigate this significant opportunity for their star player. The outcome looks promising for Parsons, as the market has now been established, favoring a substantial financial investment in his future contributions to the team.