Micah Parsons contract details: Packers make ex-Cowboys star highest-paid non-QB in NFL history after trade

David Suggs

Daniel Chavkin

Micah Parsons contract details: Packers make ex-Cowboys star highest-paid non-QB in NFL history after trade image

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:

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

YearGamesTacklesSacksForced FumblesQB Hits
2021168413.0330
2022176513.5326
2023176414.0133
2024134312.0223

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

NameTeamYearsValueAAV
Micah ParsonsPackers4$188 million$47 million
Nick Bosa49ers5$170 million$28.25 million
Josh Hines-AllenJaguars5$141.25 million$28.25 million
Brian BurnsGiants5$141 million$28.2 million
Myles GarrettBrowns5$125 million$25 million
Von MillerBills6$120 million$20 million
T.J. WattSteelers4$112 million$28 million
Bradley ChubbDolphins5$110 million$22 million
Maxx CrosbyRaiders3$106.5 million$35.5 million
Montez SweatBears4$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.

David Suggs

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.

Daniel Chavkin

Daniel Chavkin is a Digital Content Producer for The Sporting News. A 2018 graduate from the University of Maryland, he has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and NFLTradeRumors.com.