Gap remains in contract talks between Cowboys, Micah Parsons

“Right now there is a difference in what we feel is the right number and what he feels is the right number,” said Jones (via The Athletic’s Jon Machota).

It’s unclear what the gap between each side’s “right number” is. Dallas has submitted an offer that would make Parsons the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, while the superstar edge rusher is reportedly seeking a total value of at least $200M. Guaranteed money will also play a factor in negotiations, especially if Parsons’ desire for a $200M deal comes with proportionally-higher guarantee demands.

There are a number of contracts that could reach both benchmarks, including a five-year, $202.5M deal that would likely include well over $100M in fully-guaranteed money. A four-year, $176M extension would give Parsons $44M per year and a total value of $200M including his $24M fifth-year option.

The Cowboys may balk at the total value and guarantees of the first deal or the APY of the second. Parsons, meanwhile, may be looking for $200M in new money, requiring a deal of at least five years or a massive $50M APY across four years that the team is unlikely to offer.

Despite the persisting gap between Parsons and the Cowboys, there appears to be the potential to find a middle ground that satisfies both sides. However, Parsons’ demands have continually increased as other players have reset the market for non-quarterbacks, so Dallas may want to act quickly before another major extension raises his asking price further.