It’s already shaping up to be an exciting offseason in the NFL. After initially demanding a trade from the Cleveland Browns, Myles Garrett has signed a four-year contract with the team, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. However, Garrett’s deal could have broader implications in a league where comparisons are inevitable.
One player whose contract might be affected is Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys. Garrett’s record-breaking deal could complicate Parsons’ potential extension this offseason.
Micah Parsons’ Contract Uncertain After Myles Garrett Deal?
The Garrett news came as a surprise to many. Garrett had made it clear his focus was on winning an NFL Championship, and he didn’t see Cleveland as part of that future. The situation became tense enough that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam wasn’t even willing to sit down to discuss the future with the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year.
But, less than a week later, the two sides agreed to a four-year deal worth $160 million. With no-trade clauses included, Garrett’s $40 million average annual salary makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
According to Jordan Schultz, this extension could impact contract negotiations in Dallas. In the wake of the Browns-Garrett deal, Schultz reported that the size of Garrett’s contract might complicate discussions for the Cowboys.
On X, Schultz wrote, “For weeks, there have been murmurs about whether the #Cowboys will actually give Micah Parsons a record-breaking contract — or if a trade could become a possibility. It still seems far-fetched, but with the market now at $40M per year, this situation is one to watch.”
Sources: For weeks, there have been murmurs about whether the #Cowboys will actually give Micah Parsons a record-breaking contract — or if a trade could become a possibility. It still seems far-fetched, but with the market now at $40M per year, this situation is one to watch. pic.twitter.com/nOzQyeyJ5P
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 9, 2025
Earlier in the offseason, the Cowboys restructured Dak Prescott’s contract to free up cap space, which many saw as a sign that Parsons’ extension was on the way. However, Schultz’s report now suggests that Parsons’ contract situation may be in jeopardy.
Parsons, one of the league’s best young linebackers, has recorded at least 12 sacks in each of his first four seasons. Yet, with the market for top defensive players now set at $40 million per year, a trade could become a possibility if Dallas can’t afford his extension. Any team would be fortunate to acquire Parsons, but the size of his potential contract might make it difficult for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to justify.
Even in a season where Parsons missed four games due to injury, he still managed to finish with 43 total tackles and 12 sacks, just two shy of his career-high.