Micah Parsons says he doesn’t need to be the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL, and he isn’t expecting a contract worth $40 million per year. The Dallas Cowboys star edge rusher, entering his fifth and final year of his rookie contract, would like to have a deal in place before the offseason begins in the spring. However, he has no plans to hold out.
Parsons, a fourth-year player from Penn State, is looking to secure a contract before the offseason starts. This is similar to the situation of 2023 All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb, who stayed away from the team during the offseason and training camp before signing a $136 million, four-year extension in late August.
However, there is one key difference between Parsons’ situation and Lamb’s.
The Cowboys receiver had the same coach and offensive system, while head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer are both on expiring contracts.
The Cowboys (6-8), who are facing a chance of missing the playoffs after making it the last three years, will play NFC South leaders Tampa Bay (8-6) at home on Sunday.
Parsons missed four games due to a high ankle sprain, and the season is likely to end with at least four starters on injured reserve.
“I don’t know what the coaching is going to be like,” Parsons said. “I would love to have Zimmer back. I kind of publicly, consistently say that, what he’s done for this team, through the injuries and everything. He’s done a tremendous job for me. If they do change … I’ve got to learn a new scheme. I’ve got to be around guys.”
Parsons isn’t focused on money because he feels he has already shown his value. Even with 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. The only other players to do that are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“I think I’m the best player in the world,” said Parsons, who has 49 career sacks. “I don’t throw numbers out there like that. I’ll see what they’re willing to give me.”
Parsons has 7.5 sacks in six games since returning from injury, but he doesn’t think finishing strong will greatly affect his contract talks after the season.
“I think I’m a difference-maker, and I’ll probably be treated like a difference-maker,” Parsons said. “I don’t think these next three weeks I’m going to gain $20 million. I think I’m pretty much capped.”
The salary cap will be a consideration for Parsons as he looks ahead to his big payday.
San Francisco edge rusher Nick Bosa currently holds the highest average annual value for a defensive player at $34 million. Bosa signed a five-year, $170 million extension last year.
“It would be nice to be surrounded by good players. Players that will help me win championships,” Parsons said. “To me, having $40 million and being chipped every play and slid into 3-4 people, that doesn’t sound too fun to me. It’s about keeping people that can make a difference. We’ll see how it breaks down, but I want to keep as many guys as possible.”
