Micah Parsons Eyes $40 Million Per Year in Upcoming Contract Extension

Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys: A Looming Deal
Micah Parsons is on the verge of securing a lucrative contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys. As one of the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers, the All-Pro linebacker has set his sights on a deal that reflects his elite performance. However, the burning question remains—when will Cowboys owner Jerry Jones finally step up and offer his star defender the payday he deserves?

Parsons’ Vision: A Payday Worthy of His Performance
Despite his preference for keeping contract talks private, Parsons has a clear number in mind—$40 million per year. In a recent interview with Clarence Hill of All City DLLS, Parsons openly discussed the financial leap he anticipates:

“I just played these last couple years on $2 [million] and $3 million. I think if I had $40 million, I’d be the happiest man alive. You go from playing for the league rookie minimum and get that big of a jump, I think anybody would be happy.”

Parsons’ valuation of himself is far from unrealistic, considering the evolving market for defensive stars.

The Market Shift: Big Contracts Are Changing the Game
The NFL landscape has seen seismic shifts in player salaries, especially for non-quarterbacks. Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett reset the market with a four-year, $40 million-per-year contract that included $123.5 million in guarantees. However, that record was soon broken by Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who signed a four-year, $161 million deal, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Parsons, aware of these developments, understands that his contract must reflect his game-changing abilities on the field. The Cowboys, however, have yet to initiate substantial negotiations.

Patience or Frustration? Parsons Remains Calm
Despite the lack of progress on his extension, Parsons has remained composed. When asked at a recent bowling event in Frisco, Texas, whether he was frustrated by the delay, Parsons simply responded, “No,” before a Cowboys staff member shut down further contract-related questions.

Currently, Parsons is still on his rookie contract. He earned a base salary of $2.989 million last year and is set to play the 2025 season on his fifth-year option, which is worth $24.07 million. However, there have been mixed reports about whether the Cowboys have even begun serious negotiations.

Contract Talks: Fact or Fiction?
Speculation swirled on social media that a deal was nearing completion, but NFL reporter Jane Slater quickly shut down the rumors:

“While there is chatter on Twitter about Micah Parsons and a contract extension being finalized, I checked. Not only is it NOT done, but what would be characterized as meaningful talks haven’t even begun yet per two sources informed.”

This revelation has left Cowboys fans anxious, as they eagerly await news of Parsons securing his well-earned payday.

Defending His Agent Amidst the Delay
As negotiations stall, some have questioned the role of Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta. The star linebacker, however, was quick to defend him against critics:

“Some of these agents don’t have the best interest for y’all, man. Wake up. David Mulugheta has been showing it time and time again! It’s sad seeing some of these players get violated by teams because of lack of decency and effort by their agents!”

Mulugheta has a proven track record of securing massive deals, having negotiated lucrative contracts for players like Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (four years, $100 million, $25 million/year) and Texans defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. (three years, $90 million, $30 million/year with $89 million guaranteed). If there’s anyone who can get Parsons his $40 million per year, it’s Mulugheta.

What’s Next for Parsons and the Cowboys?
As free agency progresses and the 2024 season approaches, the Cowboys will need to make a decision soon. Losing a generational talent like Parsons due to contract disputes would be a monumental misstep. With market trends favoring elite defensive players, it’s only a matter of time before Dallas has to meet Parsons’ demands.

The ball is in Jerry Jones’ court. Will he secure the future of his defense by locking up Parsons with a historic deal, or will contract delays create unnecessary tension between the franchise and its defensive cornerstone? The NFL world waits with bated breath.