Micah Parsons is one of the best defensive players in the NFL. After this season, he will be eligible for a contract extension and is expected to get top-of-the-market money.
Skip Bayless believes Parsons will become the highest-paid defensive player in the league, surpassing Nick Bosa’s contract’s annual average value (AAV) of $34 million. He thinks Jerry Jones’ ego will be the biggest reason behind the Cowboys star potentially getting such a deal.
Skip Bayless Delivers Verdict on Micah Parsons’ Contract Situation
During a recent segment on “The Skip Bayless Show,” the former Fox Sports analyst discussed Parsons’ contract situation.
“By September 1, Micah Parsons, whether I like it or not, will become the highest-paid defensive player ever,” said Bayless. “When it comes to negotiating with Jerry, Micah Parsons has no idea what he’s about to get into and go through. Jerry Jones has the biggest and most unchecked ego in the National Football League, bigger than any other owner or player’s ego.”
Jerry "Warbucks" Jones will make Micah Parsons the highest-paid defensive player ever. pic.twitter.com/6r2bZ0Qea8
— The Skip Bayless Show (@SkipBaylessShow) December 27, 2024
Bayless further said negotiating with Jones is tough as he will initially start with offers that will upset the players. It will ultimately lead to the player holding out in the offseason, bringing attention to the Cowboys owner.
Bayless added, “Jerry will begin this negotiation by making an insulting lowball offer that will anger Micah and especially his agent and force Micah to hold out and miss all the offseason program and all of training camp because this way, Jerry can be the center of media attention for, I don’t know four or five months.”
“Jerry loves stars. Holdouts make Jerry an even bigger star than he is,” continued Bayless. He always gives the star the biggest contract ever at his position. Why? Because Jerry also loves his image of being Daddy Warbucks, like a father to all of his stars. So, I want to say an early congrats to number 11. You belong to Jerry Jones Country Club.”
Bayless is arguably the biggest Cowboys fan among the media members, and he knows about how the franchise operates. Jones has played out contract negotiations similarly with CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott last offseason.
With their new deals, Prescott ($60 million AAV) is currently the highest-paid quarterback in the league, while Lamb ($34 million AAV) is only behind Justin Jefferson ($35 million AAV) among the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
On a talent basis, Parsons is much better at his position than Prescott. As a result, it wouldn’t surprise many if Bayless’ prediction comes true and the 25-year-old EDGE gets a better deal than Bosa’s five-year, $170 million contract from 2023.
Parsons Has Expressed His Desire of Not Becoming Highest-Paid Defensive Player
Although Bayless and others have predicted Parsons to become the highest-paid defensive player in the league with a new contract, the Cowboys’ star is not demanding such money.
Parsons recently said that he is not looking to get a $40 million salary if it comes at the cost of a decrease in the quality of players around him. Winning the Super Bowl remains his main priority, and he would be willing to take less if it helps the team put better players around him.
He wants to get a deal done before next year’s free agency starts and doesn’t want to hold out. Parsons knows there could be a coaching change in the offseason, and he wants to work with whoever is in charge for next season during the offseason.
The Cowboys have played much better over the last few weeks, and Mike McCarthy could possibly continue as the team’s head coach. Whether the Cowboys will move on from defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer remains to be seen.
Parsons’ approach towards his contract extension will be helpful for Jones and the Cowboys. Still, it will be interesting to see whether the NFC East team will drag negotiations with their star player like they have done with other players in the past.