**Cowboys Break the Bank! Parsons’ $240M Deal Spurs Cap Crisis?!**

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly set to hand out a historic mega-deal that will break NFL records, but it’s not Dak Prescott. Sources say the Cowboys are preparing to offer Micah Parsons a staggering $240 million contract, a move that could create a salary cap nightmare and force tough decisions about the team’s future.

While many expected Prescott to be the recipient of the mega-deal, with a contract averaging $60 million annually[2][3], Parsons is poised to surpass that[3]. The four-year, $240 million deal would make Parsons the highest-paid defensive player in the league and one of the highest-paid players overall[1][2]. The deal includes $231 million guaranteed and an $80 million signing bonus[2].

Here’s the breakdown:

* **Record-Breaking Contract:** Parsons’ potential deal would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, surpassing Justin Jefferson’s $35 million per year[3]. ESPN predicts the extension to be worth around $180 million, with $125 million guaranteed[4].
* **Cap Implications:** A deal of this magnitude would have significant implications for the Cowboys’ salary cap[3]. Extending Parsons this year would drop another $18 million[6].

* **Parsons’ Value:** Parsons is considered one of the league’s premier defensive players and a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate[2].

With Prescott and Lamb under contract, each near record levels, Dallas can turn its attention to a critical 2024 season and to re-signing Parsons[2].

The Cowboys will face significant scrutiny and discussion over how they manage these substantial salaries within the salary cap while maintaining a competitive team in the upcoming seasons[3].

While Parsons is undoubtedly a cornerstone player, some question whether it’s wise to allocate such a large percentage of the salary cap to one defensive player. The Cowboys must carefully weigh the benefits of securing Parsons long-term against the potential consequences for their ability to sign other key players and build a well-rounded roster[3].