Cowboys’ Parsons Approach Shows High Cost of Delayed Contracts

Following Thursday’s blockbuster trade, the Packers are set to give Micah Parsons a four-year, $188 million deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $47 million that’s the largest for any non-quarterback. The 26-year-old surpassed the $41 million per year deal (three years, $123 million) that T.J. Watt signed with the Steelers in July.

Parsons will make $120 million in guaranteed money, also tops among non-QBs, and eighth in the NFL when including quarterbacks, according to data from Spotrac.

While the Parsons deal is massive, Dallas could’ve very likely kept its star defensive player on a more affordable contract if timed properly. Parsons was eligible for an extension last offseason, though Dallas prioritized Dak Prescott (four years, $240 million) and CeeDee Lamb (four years, $136 million). Prescott is still the highest-paid player in the league by AAV, while Lamb became the second-highest-paid non-QB at the time. 

Parsons said late last year that he was willing to sign for less than $40 million per year, though that was before the market was reset by Myles Garrett, who the Browns signed in March for $40 million annually (four years, $160 million). Jones reportedly offered Parsons $40.5 million per year that same month—which would have exceeded Garrett’s amount. 

The market reset again last month after Watt signed with the Steelers, before the new Parsons contract reshaped it dramatically.

“Make no mistake about it: We all know we could’ve signed Micah. But we decided to go with the trade,” Jones said.