T.J. Watt’s new contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers has made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, earning $41 million annually in new money. While this is a significant milestone, it’s widely expected that this record won’t last long. The next player in line to potentially break it is Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, whose next contract is expected to reset the market.
Parsons’ Youth and Performance Set Stage for Record-Breaking Deal Beyond Watt’s Contract
The anticipation around Parsons’ deal stems from both his elite performance and his age. Unlike Watt and Myles Garrett, who were older when they signed their mega-deals, Parsons is younger and arguably entering his prime. That age advantage, combined with the trajectory of defensive contracts, suggests his deal could reach or exceed $45 million per year.
T.J. Watt (NFL)From a strategic standpoint, Parsons and his agents likely waited for Watt’s deal to be finalized. Watt’s contract now serves as a critical reference point in negotiations, helping to establish a new financial baseline for elite edge rushers. With that benchmark in place, Parsons’ team is better positioned to argue for a significantly higher number.
Cowboys Face Rising Costs the Longer They Delay Parsons’ Contract Extension Negotiations
This situation also puts pressure on the Cowboys. The longer they wait to extend Parsons, the higher the eventual cost could be. As the market continues to climb and Parsons keeps performing at a high level, Dallas risks paying a premium for waiting too long to negotiate.
Ultimately, Watt’s contract has done more than just make history — it has set the stage for the next major financial leap at the linebacker position. All eyes now turn to Dallas and when they’ll make their move to lock in one of the NFL’s most dominant young defenders.
