Miles Garrett has decided not to pursue a trade from the Cleveland Browns, and discussions about TJ Watt’s future with the Pittsburgh Steelers have also been settled. This clears the way for the Dallas Cowboys to dive into the Edge Rush market. Four years after locking in quarterback Dak Prescott with a $40 million annual contract, the Cowboys are now poised to offer similar high-value deals to top defensive players.
In March, Garrett signed a four-year extension worth $160 million, guaranteeing $123.3 million, while Watt secured a three-year contract worth $123 million, including $108 million guaranteed. Both deals average around $40 million per year. Meanwhile, the Cowboys and Micah Parsons, represented by agent David Murgueta, are expected to negotiate a contract somewhat below those figures, due to differing contract circumstances.
Garrett and Watt bring longer tenure and a strong record, each entering their ninth season and third contracts, compared to Parsons who is negotiating his second contract after five years in the league. Garrett and Watt also boast multiple All-Pro selections and Defensive Player of the Year honors, which heavily influence contract values. Parsons, the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year with two recent All-Pro nods, has impressive stats, including 52.5 sacks and 256 tackles in his first four seasons—surpassing Watt and Garrett in several key categories.
Parsons’ camp will likely argue that given Watt and Garrett won their Defensive Player of the Year awards in their later years, Parsons’ recent performance deserves equally high recognition and compensation. The Cowboys must decide how much to invest in Parsons’ talents as they negotiate.
It’s anticipated that Dallas will offer Parsons a lucrative extension after his fifth-year option expires, potentially surpassing Watt’s $41 million annual average and Garrett’s $133.3 million guaranteed. The Cowboys’ move follows a market reset by Garrett and Watt’s contracts, making Parsons the second player in franchise history to earn over $40 million per year. When the deal happens is in the hands of team owner Jerry Jones.
Fan Take: This contract saga is a pivotal moment for NFL fans as it signals a new era of high-value contracts for elite defensive players, rivaling quarterback salaries. Parsons’ deal could redefine how defensive stars are valued, potentially shifting team-building strategies across the league.
