Micah Parsons: The NFL's New Highest-Paid Star Outside of Quarterbacks?

The anticipated transpired after extensive unresolved contract negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys led to Micah Parsons publicly seeking a trade and missing training camp. On August 28, 2025, the Cowboys traded the All-Pro linebacker to the Green Bay Packers, receiving veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks in return. According to Adam Schefter, Parsons, upon joining Green Bay, signed a lucrative four-year contract valued at $188 million, with $136 million guaranteed. This substantial deal results in an annual salary of $47 million, positioning him as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, surpassing T.J. Watt’s previous record of $41 million per year. Initially, Parsons and the Cowboys seemed like a perfect match; he had long supported Dallas and considered playing for them a childhood dream. Drafted 12th overall in 2021, he was expected to be a cornerstone of their defense, but disagreements over his rookie contract led to an unfortunate split.