Myles Garrett’s Mega Deal Reshapes the Market and Spells Trouble for the Cowboys

A Game-Changing Contract

Myles Garrett has officially redefined the market for elite defensive players. The Cleveland Browns’ superstar edge rusher secured a groundbreaking contract extension worth $40 million per season with $123.5 million guaranteed. This record-breaking deal not only cements Garrett’s status as one of the league’s most dominant defenders but also has major implications for other elite pass rushers—especially Micah Parsons.

How This Impacts Micah Parsons

For the Dallas Cowboys, Garrett’s contract poses a serious financial challenge. Parsons, one of the most electrifying defensive talents in the NFL, has been due for a massive payday. With his rookie contract nearing its end, Dallas had the opportunity to lock him in early. Instead, they waited, and now they’ll have to face the reality of an inflated market.

Before Garrett’s deal, the Las Vegas Raiders set the bar high by signing Maxx Crosby to a three-year, $106.5 million extension, averaging $35.5 million per season. That number already signaled a price jump for Parsons. Now, with Garrett’s deal soaring to $40 million per year, the Cowboys can expect Parsons to demand a contract in a similar—if not higher—range.

A Costly Mistake by the Cowboys?

Dallas has a history of waiting too long when it comes to contract negotiations, often letting the market dictate the price instead of getting ahead of it. This approach has cost them before, and it could cost them again. Parsons has already made it clear he won’t settle for a bargain deal. While he’s stated he doesn’t need to be the highest-paid defender in the league, he certainly won’t take a discount either.

Had the Cowboys been proactive, they could have negotiated a deal before the market skyrocketed. Now, they’re in a position where they must either pay Parsons near or above Garrett’s value or risk losing one of the most valuable defensive players in the NFL.

The Pressure is On

Jerry and Stephen Jones now face a critical decision. Do they break the bank and make Parsons one of the highest-paid defenders in history, or do they attempt to negotiate a lower deal and risk alienating their best defensive playmaker?

One thing is certain—every game Parsons plays without a long-term deal only strengthens his bargaining power. With each sack, tackle for loss, and game-changing play, his price tag inches higher. The Cowboys are running out of time, and if they’re not careful, they could find themselves in a bidding war they never wanted to enter.

The clock is ticking in Dallas. Will the Cowboys step up and secure their superstar, or will they once again find themselves playing catch-up in a rapidly evolving market?