Micah Parsons was going to get his mega-contract extension, it was just a matter of when — and with whom.
On Thursday, those questions were answered. After weeks of speculation, the Cowboys dealt Parsons to the Packers in exchange for Kenny Clark and two first-round picks. Parsons summarily inked a lucrative extension with Green Bay, not only locking down his future in green-and-yellow but also making him one of the richest players in league history.
Parsons has been arguably the best pass-rusher in the league since his 2021 rookie season, collecting 52.5 sacks in four years. Now, his contract reflects his production.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
With that, here are the details on Parson's contract extension with the Packers.
MORE MICAH PARSONS TRADE:
- Trade details for blockbuster deal between Packers & Cowboys
- Trade grades: Packers earn high marks, Cowboys save face
- Winners & Losers: EDGE rushers, NFC contenders impacted by deal
- Bender: Will Parsons be Reggie White 2.0 for Packers?
- What Jerry Jones said about Parsons trade at tense press conference
- When Cowboys & Packers are set to square off in 2025
- How Parsons deal impacts Packers' defensive depth chart
- What Kenny Clark brings to Cowboys defensive line
- Dallas sports fans go through Luka deja vu with Parsons trade
- Full Micah Parsons contract dispute timeline with Cowboys
Micah Parsons contract details
- Years: Four
- Value: $188 million
Parsons' four-year, $188 million contract makes him among the highest-paid players in the NFL.
To no surprise, Parsons is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. $136 million of Parsons contract is guaranteed — $12.5 million more than Myles Garrett. His average annual value sits at $47 million, besting TJ Watt's previous record by $6 million.
Parsons will take home $62 million in the first year of his contract, also an NFL record for non-quarterbacks. He immediately becomes Green Bay's second-highest paid player, only bested by quarterback Jordan Love's four-year, $220 million contract.
Micah Parsons age
Parsons is 26, having celebrated his birthday on May 26. His young age, along with his elite production, made him a prime candidate to become one of the highest-paid players in NFL history.
Micah Parsons career earnings
As the No. 12 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Parsons' rookie contract was for four years and worth just over $17 million total. When the Cowboys picked up Parsons fifth-year option for the 2025 season, it guaranteed Parsons another $24 million.
By the time the 2025 season is over, Parsons will have earned $41 million total in his NFL career. That number is set to skyrocket during his new deal.
Micah Parsons stats
Year | Games | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | QB Hits |
2021 | 16 | 84 | 13.0 | 3 | 30 |
2022 | 17 | 65 | 13.5 | 3 | 26 |
2023 | 17 | 64 | 14.0 | 1 | 33 |
2024 | 13 | 43 | 12.0 | 2 | 23 |
Ever since Parsons entered the league in 2021, he has been one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Over the last four seasons, Parsons has totaled 52.5 sacks with at least a dozen sacks in each season, as there are only four players with more sacks since Parsons entered the league.
At just 26, Parsons is set up to continue his elite production moving forward.
Top NFL pass-rusher contracts
Name | Team | Years | Value | AAV |
Micah Parsons | Packers | 4 | $188 million | $47 million |
Nick Bosa | 49ers | 5 | $170 million | $28.25 million |
Josh Hines-Allen | Jaguars | 5 | $141.25 million | $28.25 million |
Brian Burns | Giants | 5 | $141 million | $28.2 million |
Myles Garrett | Browns | 5 | $125 million | $25 million |
Von Miller | Bills | 6 | $120 million | $20 million |
T.J. Watt | Steelers | 4 | $112 million | $28 million |
Bradley Chubb | Dolphins | 5 | $110 million | $22 million |
Maxx Crosby | Raiders | 3 | $106.5 million | $35.5 million |
Montez Sweat | Bears | 4 | $98 million | $24.5 million |
Parsons' new contract makes him the highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL, bettering 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa' $170 million deal. His contract also carries the highest AAV among pass rushers, eclipsing Maxx Crosby's mark by more than $11 million each season.