Parsons is slated to earn $24.007 million in base salary on the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. That figure is expected to leap significantly with a new extension. Parsons could leapfrog Garrett as the top-paid defender. With fellow star pass rusher T.J. Watt also looking for a new deal, the top of the market could get pushed even higher if the Cowboys continue to delay paying Parsons.
Last week, Parsons was hopeful that a deal could be finalized by training camp.
“I’m pretty hopeful. I’m still hanging tight,” Parsons said at the time. “I understand it’s up to [owner Jerry Jones]. He gives the green light on everything, so hopefully something is done by next month.”
Parsons had previously said he didn’t need to make $40 million per year. However, that came before Garrett’s record-setting deal. Recently, the pass rusher told Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS that “it’s going to cost them more” by waiting.