Micah Parsons has expressed that he doesn’t feel the need to be the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL and isn’t expecting a $40 million annual contract. The Dallas Cowboys star edge rusher, entering the fifth and final year of his rookie deal, hopes to have a new contract in place before the start of the offseason in the spring. However, he has no intention of holding out.
Parsons, a fourth-year player from Penn State, is aiming to secure a deal before the offseason begins, similar to what 2023 All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb did. Lamb stayed away from the team during the offseason and training camp before signing a four-year, $136 million extension in late August.
There is, however, a notable distinction between Parsons’ situation and Lamb’s. While Lamb had the same head coach and offensive system, both Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer are on expiring contracts.
The Cowboys, currently 6-8 and at risk of missing the playoffs after making it the last three years, will face NFC South leaders Tampa Bay (8-6) at home this Sunday.
Parsons, who missed four games due to a high ankle sprain, is likely to finish the season with at least four starters on injured reserve.
“I don’t know what the coaching staff will look like,” Parsons said. “I would love to have Zimmer back. I’ve said that publicly a lot because of what he’s done for this team, especially with the injuries. He’s been incredible for me. If they change things, I’ll have to learn a new scheme and get accustomed to new teammates.”
Parsons isn’t overly concerned with money, feeling that he’s already proven his worth. Despite missing games for the first time in his career, he is just 1.5 sacks away from reaching double digits in sacks for each of his first four seasons. Only Hall of Fame players have done that.
“I believe I’m the best player in the world,” said Parsons, who has 49 career sacks. “I don’t typically throw numbers like that around, but I’ll see what they offer me.”
Parsons has 7.5 sacks in the six games since returning from his injury, but he doesn’t believe that finishing the season strong will significantly impact his contract discussions.
“I know I’m a game-changer, and I’ll be treated as one,” Parsons said. “I don’t think these last few weeks will increase my value by $20 million. I think I’ve pretty much reached my ceiling.”
Salary cap considerations will play a key role as Parsons looks toward his upcoming contract. San Francisco’s Nick Bosa currently holds the record for the highest average annual value for a defensive player at $34 million, after signing a five-year, $170 million deal last year.
“It would be nice to play with great teammates who can help me win championships,” Parsons said. “To me, making $40 million and facing constant double-teams and triple-teams doesn’t sound appealing. It’s about keeping players who can make a real difference. We’ll see how it all plays out, but I want to keep as many of the right guys as possible.”
