With Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb cashing in big, Micah Parsons seems to be hinting it in is his turn next. And why wouldn’t he? The guy’s resume reads like a Madden create-a-player: multiple All-Pro selections, Defensive Rookie of the Year, and an irreplaceable force on the Cowboys’ defense. Need more convincing? Parsons is hands-down one of the most valuable non-QBs in the league. So yeah, when he starts eyeing a “big boy paycheck,” it’s not exactly coming out of left field.

But here’s the thing—does he need it right now? Hmm… Maybe not. Parsons just dropped a teaser on his Instagram story, posing with a box full of goodies from Doritos and the caption: “Thankful to be a part of the team @doritos.” Frito-Lay, a PepsiCo subsidiary, is behind the snack brand, and let’s just say PepsiCo’s $226 billion valuation isn’t exactly chump change. Off-field money? Sealed and locked up for Parsons.

But Cowboys Nation shouldn’t get too comfortable. Parsons’ cryptic vibes scream, “business is still unfinished.” His recent comments make it clear: “Defense wins championships!! Build this defense while we got young superstar! We will win more games holding teams to 20 or less points than offensive shootouts!! Facts!!”

Translation? Pay me, and build around me. With a fifth-year option looming in 2025, you can bet Parsons has his sights set on a raise that matches his value. Jerry Jones and the Cowboys might want to get ahead of this.

Parsons’ market value and consistent dominance make him a prime candidate to become one of the NFL’s highest-paid defensive players. If they don’t lock him in soon, don’t be shocked if his next Instagram post features a pen, paper, and a record-breaking contract.

Micah Parsons’ chasing the ‘most-expensive defensive player’ title

Let’s talk dollars and defense—Micah Parsons is worth way more than what his current deal with the Cowboys reflects. Right now, Parsons is on a four-year, $17 million rookie deal, averaging $4.2 million a year. Sounds solid… Maybe for a rookie. Not for one of the best in his position. What’s worse is that, even with a one-year option for 2025, bumps that to $21.3 million. Still, it’s pennies compared to what he could—and should—be making. Spotrac pegs his actual market value at $30.6 million annually. Big jump, right? And Parsons knows it too. He’s already said he wants to “maximize” his value.

And why wouldn’t he? Just look at the resume. First-team All-Pro honors, back-to-back Pro Bowl nods, and a game-wrecking presence that makes quarterbacks lose sleep. Last season, Parsons started all 17 games, racking up 13.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 65 tackles. Fast-forward to now, a high ankle sprain sidelined him for four games this year. But, boy, he is back. Back to terrorizing offenses with 3 sacks and 13 solo tackles in just five games.

Looking at those numbers piling up—tackles flying, sacks stacking—you’ve got to ask: Is Parsons ready to leap over the 49ers’ Nick Bosa’s $170 million bar? Honestly, it feels like he’s not just ready; he’s eyeing it with a “hold my Gatorade” energy. Back in 2023, B/R nailed it: “As long as Parsons doesn’t see a dropoff in production,” we can expect him signing a $35 million worth extension “beating Bosa’s average annual value of $34 million.”

The key phrase? “As long as.” And let’s be real—there’s no sign of decline in sight. Parsons hasn’t just kept up; he’s still the guy offensive coordinators lose sleep over. Waiting game could hurt Dallas here, big time—risking Parsons testing the waters, or at least leveraging that threat.

Imagine the chaos if Parsons hits free agency. The Cowboys aren’t just protecting a player; they’re safeguarding the heart of their defense. So, what’s the move, Jerry? Parsons wants to redefine the most expensive contract for the defensive player. And for a guy who changes games the way he does, the raise does not not only sound fair, but it seems inevitable.