Cowboys' Micah Parsons Reportedly Eyeing Historic $200M Contract Extension

Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons is reportedly seeking to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, according to the Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins.

Parsons is expected to ask for $200 million total and more than $40.25 million per season on his next contract, according to Watkins.

Watkins reported that the Cowboys and Parsons' agents have not had "serious talks" about an extension since the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

Parsons is currently signed through the 2025 season with a $24 million club option.

Watkins reported that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has "had extensive talks with Parsons about his contract," but that Jones "is in no rush to get a deal completed" while watching how the rest of free agencyplays out.

T.J. Watt could be the next player to impact the defensive market as he prepares to enter the final season of his current contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett briefly set the non-quarterback contract record earlier this offseason by setting the market for edge-rushers with his four-year, $160 million deal.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase quickly broke that standard with his four-year $161 million contract.

According to Watkins, Parsons hopes to surpass both with his next deal. He will turn 26 in May, while Garrett will celebrate his 30th birthday in December, which could bolster his argument to earn more than his Browns counterpart.

Spotrac previously pointed out that Garrett would need to make $42.8 million per year in order to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in terms of percentage of the NFL salary cap:

Parsons, who missed four games with an ankle injury last season, still posted 12.0 sacks in 13 games for the Cowboys. He has 52.5 sacks through four seasons in Dallas.

Parsons received criticism from former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy for not attending those sessions last season, but the edge-rusher said last June that sitting out from offseason workouts had allowed time for his "body to heal."

Getting Parsons back with the team as soon as possible will allow the Cowboys more time for their defense to adjust to new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus before the 2025 season.