The Dallas Cowboys continue to negotiate with superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons on a contract extension that could end up the richest deal for any defender in NFL history.
Dallas doesn't have to reach an agreement with the 26-year-old phenom this summer, as he is entering the fifth-year team option on his rookie contract in 2025. The Cowboys could even stretch out negotiations beyond next spring/summer via the franchise tag provision if they decide waiting on a longterm deal is in their best interests.
But the fact remains that the longer the team waits, the more it's going to have to pay. Parsons spoke about his contract negotiations on Tuesday, July 15, following a football camp he hosted in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Parsons said he is unconcerned with the money other pass rushers at the top of the league have gotten or might get, particularly considering the different circumstances for each player.
He added that he's not pouting or planning to take his foot off the gas just because Dallas is playing hardball and taking its time getting a deal done.
"I just work harder. Like, to me, I look at it like if people don’t see your value, you don’t cry and sit down. You just work harder," Parsons continued. "You got to show people your value."
The common projections from top NFL insiders, including ESPN's Adam Schefter, have Parsons eventually signing a deal worth in excess of $40 million annually -- most likely on a contract spanning either four or five seasons. Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns inked a four-year, $160 million agreement earlier this offseason, which made him the most recent highest-paid defensive player in league history.
Parsons is a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro. He has tallied 112 quarterback hits, 63 tackles for loss and 52.5 sacks across 63 games played. He has missed a total of just five contests over his four-year career.
Parsons won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021 and has finished in the top three in Defensive Player of the Year voting three times (second twice and third once).
