Wisconsin-native T.J. Watt was the highest-paid non quarterback more than a month ago but not anymore as newest Green Bay Packers member Micah Parsons takes that title now.
Micah Parsons vs Green Bay Packers
Jan 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) tackles Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) in the first half of the 2024 NFC wild card game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys shocked everyone on Thursday when they decided to trade their long-time defensive end to Green Bay for defensive tackle Kenny Clark plus two first-round draft picks.
Parsons was drafted 12th overall by Cowboys in 2021 and hoarded individual accolades since stepping foot on the NFL gridiron. This includes the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year, four Pro Bowl honors, and two First Team All-Pro.
Packers know what they are getting from the 26-year-old and they are investing a lot on him as the NFL confirmed that he will get paid $188 million with $136 million guaranteed for four years. This means he will earn $47 million a year, the highest annual salary for a non-quarterback ever.
T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Cowboys happen to have the highest-paid quarterback in Dak Prescott who will earn $60 million per year.
Watt used to be the highest paid quarterback in the league after sealing a three-year, $123 million contract with $108 million guaranteed. He is set to earn $41 million per year.
Jerry Jones justifies Micah Parsons trade
Cowboys camp sent feelers in the past months that they will keep Parsons. The opposite is what happened and it occurred just a few days before the start of the 2025 NFL season.
Team president and owner Jerry Jones said they decided to Parsons go because they thought it will make them better.
“This was a move to get us successful in the playoffs,” he said in a press conference on the same day the deal was confirmed.
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Aug 22, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons walks off the field after the game against the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
“This was a move to be better on defense, stopping the run. This was a move to, if we get behind, not be run on. And it was a deliberate move, a well-thought-out move to make this happen.”
Parsons and fans will have a chance to say they piece about this shocking trade on Week 4, September 28 at the AT&T Stadium when the Cowboys host the Packers.
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