The Dallas Cowboys hit summer break with Micah Parsons still waiting for his new contract.
While the club has dragged its feet, if previous deals are an indicator, Dallas will eventually pay Parsons top dollar before the season starts. The question lingering is how high the number might reach.
Myles Garrett set the bar for pass rushers with his $40 million-per-year contract earlier this offseason. After throwing out the first pitch at a Texas Rangers game on Sunday, Garrett said Parsons deserves his eventual payday.
“I think he deserves whatever he’s earned,” Garrett told Abby Jones of DLLS Sports. “I mean, the guy is special. Once I got the chance to train with him, I’ve seen his work ethic, I’ve seen how he attacks the weights, running. He’s 100% committed to his craft and getting better every day, and [he’s] someone who produces on the field and has that dedication to the game. He should get every penny he’s owed.”
Parsons is slated to earn $24.007 million in base salary on the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. That figure is expected to leap significantly with a new extension. Parsons could leapfrog Garrett as the top-paid defender. With fellow star pass rusher T.J. Watt also looking for a new deal, the top of the market could get pushed even higher if the Cowboys continue to delay paying Parsons.
Last week, Parsons was hopeful that a deal could be finalized by training camp.
“I’m pretty hopeful. I’m still hanging tight,” Parsons said at the time. “I understand it’s up to [owner Jerry Jones]. He gives the green light on everything, so hopefully something is done by next month.”
Parsons had previously said he didn't need to make $40 million per year. However, that came before Garrett's record-setting deal. Recently, the pass rusher told Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS that "it’s going to cost them more" by waiting.