What Micah Parsons' $200 million update really means for the Dallas Cowboys and why Jerry Jones is likely delighted about it
The latest update surrounding the Dallas Cowboys' contract negotiations with superstar defender Micah Parsons is generating plenty of buzz but the meaning behind it is clear and it's something Jerry Jones is likely delighted about it. On Friday, a key report emerged revealing Parsons is aiming to become the first non-quarterback to sign a $200 million […]
The latest update surrounding the Dallas Cowboys' contract negotiations with superstar defender Micah Parsons is generating plenty of buzz but the meaning behind it is clear and it's something Jerry Jones is likely delighted about it.
On Friday, a key report emerged revealing Parsons is aiming to become the first non-quarterback to sign a $200 million deal.
"As the Cowboys progress in the offseason, pass rusher Micah Parsons is expected to ask for a $200 million contract extension that would become a record for a non-quarterback," Calvin Watkins reported for the Dallas Morning News.
Why $200 million isn't a scary figure at all for Cowboys
The $200 million figure is certainly one that will scare some fans. That's plenty of money. For comparison, Dak Prescott's deal is $240 million and he plays quarterback. So is it too much money for an edge rusher?
Well, the thing to keep in mind here is that for Parsons, it likely means he's willing to sign a five-year extension as opposed to Prescott's four-year deal. Previously a number only available to quarterbacks, Parsons is likely going to exceed $40 million per year on his deal.
That's what Ja'Marr Chase's ($40.25M) and Myles Garrett's ($40M) recent deals average per year. In all likelihood, Parsons will slightly exceed that mark.
With this math in mind, a five-year deal would get the Cowboys star defender above the $200 million mark. Though the figure is hefty, such a contract is something Jerry Jones and the front office would be likely delighted to get signed.
That's because historically, longer deals benefit teams more than they do players. The optimal path to reaching more paydays is signing shorter deals that allow star players to cash in again and again. Meanwhile, a longer deal gives front offices more control over a player's future and they can turn out to be quite the bargain in the latter stages of a deal.
Nick Bosa and Josh Hines-Allen recently signed five-year deals and Parsons could follow suit.
Now granted, targeting a five-year deal doesn't mean Parsons is giving up his future. In all likelihood, his deal will include a no-tag, no-trade clause that will give him plenty of leverage when it's time to negotiate once again.
For now, expect Parsons' deal to be o the longer side of things. If he's seeking it, I'd be surprised if the Cowboys want it any other way.