Micah Parsons' future with the Dallas Cowboys seems even more uncertain after fellow edge-rusher Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns reset the market on Sunday.
The Browns agreed to a four-year extension with Garrett. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the deal averages $40M annually and includes $123.5M guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
After the Garrett news broke, Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz tweeted it's unclear whether the Cowboys will extend or trade Parsons, and "the situation is one to watch."
Parsons — who is set to play on the fifth-year option ($24.007M) of his rookie contract in 2025 — could ask for a deal in the same ballpark.
Parsons, 25, has made four Pro Bowls and earned two first-team All-Pro nods in his first four seasons with the Cowboys. Meanwhile, Garrett, 29, is a four-time first-team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler.
But can Dallas afford to pay Parsons?
Spotrac's salary-cap tracker estimates the Cowboys have $50.04M in cap room. A new deal for Parsons would still devour it.
Spotrac co-founder Michael Ginnitti tweeted Parsons could command a deal worth $42.8M annually, representing 15.35 percent of the 2025 salary cap. That would be the highest APY (average per year) among edge-rushers.
Dallas could receive a haul if it sent Parsons elsewhere. In a story published Feb. 3, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox had the Baltimore Ravens dealing wide receiver Zay Flowers, edge-rusher Kyle Van Noy and their 2025 first-rounder (pick No. 27) for Parsons.
Dallas could use more draft capital after it went 7-10 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020 last season.
The Cowboys would certainly prefer to keep Parsons. With his potential asking price continuing to skyrocket, it's unclear if they can.
