The NFL has been leveled by the fact that the Dallas Cowboys have traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. The deal includes a monster contract for Parsons, who has now reset the market in terms of edge rushers.
That said, here is a look at the top five highest-paid edge rushers following Parsons' record-setting deal.
5. Las Vegas Raiders - Maxx Crosby, $35.5 Million Per Year
Maxx Crosby has been one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the game, and that has earned him a massive contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Corsby signed a three-year, $105.6 million contract extension in March, which catapulted him into the top five at the position. At $35.5 million per season, he now sits at No. 5 overall.
4. Houston Texans - Danielle Hunter, $35.6 Million Per Year
Danielle Hunter has become one of the most dangerous defenders in the league, and since he joined the Houston Texans, he has remained a stalwart quarterback terrorizer, picking up 12 sacks in 2024.
Hunter signed a two-year, $49 million deal with the Texans in 2024 and was awarded a one-year, $35.6 million extension in 2025. He is likely to receive another big contract once the 2025 season ends.
3. Cleveland Browns - Myles Garrett, $40 Million Per Season
Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett requested a trade that led to his receiving a monster extension, which was the record for a non-quarterback at the time.
Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension in March, which led to him completely walking back his trade request. At the time, he was the highest-paid edge rusher in the league, until he was surpassed by T.J. Watt.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers - T.J. Watt, $41 Million Per Season
One way to show that you care about a player is to make them the highest-paid at the position, which is what the Pittsburgh Steelers did for T.J. Watt. The perennial sack monster was given a 3-year, $123 million extension in July, which made him the leader of the pack.
That is no longer the case, as his contract has been blown out of the water by Parsons.
1. Green Bay Packers - Micah Parsons, $47 Million Per Season
Not only did the Packers land Parsons, but they have awarded him a contract that may never be passed. Parsons set records in total guarantees, fully guaranteed money, and his first-year payment.
According to Ari Meirov, Parsons gets $136 million in total guarantees, $120 million fully guaranteed, and is paid $62 million in his first year.
That, and Parsons will enjoy $47 million per season beyond that. This deal and trade and deal will go down in history as one of the most dynamic ever witnessed.
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