Cowboys Delay Micah Parsons Extension, Contract Cost Expected to Rise

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons attended mandatory minicamp this week despite ongoing contract negotiations that remain unresolved, with Parsons warning that the delay is likely to cost the team more. Parsons and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had a handshake agreement in March, but final details were never formalized, and Parsons has indicated that Pittsburgh Steelers' T.J. Watt's contract demand is higher than the initial agreement, which will push Parsons' asking price upward to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Currently, the record for highest-paid defensive player belongs to Myles Garrett with a $40 million average annual salary, but Ja'Marr Chase currently holds the highest non-quarterback salary at $40.25 million per year, and Watt's pending deal is expected to surpass these, influencing Parsons' contract value. Despite Parsons reporting to the Cowboys, he has stated he will not practice until a deal is reached, with training camp approaching on July 21. NFL analyst Mike Florio explained that although waiting to sign Parsons has increased his contract cost, it allowed the Cowboys to save money during the early years of his rookie contract due to the fifth-year option, highlighting a strategic but costly delay. The Cowboys' pattern of protracted negotiations with star players has led to increasing contract demands and questions about the team's approach to extensions.