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Dallas Shocked: Parsons No Longer NFL’s Highest‑Paid Defender

Micah Parsons and T.J. Watt stand out as two of the NFL’s elite defenders, each racking up double-digit sacks and multiple Pro Bowl nods. Parsons, with 52.5 sacks, four Pro Bowl selections, and the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year award, has made a massive impact since entering the league in 2021. Watt, on the other hand, has amassed 108 career sacks, seven Pro Bowl nods, and the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year in eight seasons with Pittsburgh.

Micah Parsons Slams Pittsburgh Steelers' T.J. Watt, Again

Parsons has consistently delivered dominant season-by-season performances: he posted at least 12 sacks in each of his four NFL seasons, totaling 13.0 (2021), 13.5 (2022), 14.0 (2023), and 12.0 in 2024. Watt’s peak came in 2021 when he tied the NFL single-season sack record with 22.5; he also led the league in sacks three times and forced fumbles twice, underlining his sustained excellence.

Micah Parsons changes tone as negotiations with Dallas Cowboys become more  pressing with training camp one week away - Yahoo Sports

Watt’s paycheck reflects his dominance: the Steelers signed him to a record three-year, $123 million extension (with $108 million guaranteed), making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history—averaging $41 million annually. Parsons, still in his rookie deal, is projected to command an even bigger contract—a potential five-year, $205 million extension ($150 million guaranteed), which could surpass Watt’s average. For 2025, Parsons will earn about $24 million under his fifth-year option.

Micah Parsons or T.J. Watt: Who is NFL's Best Defender? | Ep 3

Looking ahead to 2025, both players are expected to continue their elite production. Watt, entering his age-30 season, remains a disruptive force—he posted 11.5 sacks and led the league with six forced fumbles in 2024 . Parsons, still in his prime at 26, projects to build on his consistent double-digit sack pace and may close the gap toward being the highest-paid non-QB.

Micah Parsons Continues Bashing Pittsburgh Steelers' T.J. Watt - Sports  Illustrated Pittsburgh Steelers News, Analysis and More

While Watt’s new deal sets the current benchmark, Parsons’ trajectory and upcoming extension could redefine the market yet again. Both are anchor points for their respective defenses and critical to their teams’ Super Bowl aspirations. As 2025 approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see who truly becomes the top-paid—and most dominant—defensive star in football.

 

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Eagles Head Coach Announces A.J. Brown To Start On The Bench For Standout Rookie After Poor Performance vs. Broncos
  Philadelphia, PA — the Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach confirmed that A.J. Brown will start on the bench in Week 6 against the New York Giants, with the boundary starting spot going to rookie WR Taylor Morin—an undrafted signing out of Wake Forest who flashed through rookie camp and the preseason. The decision follows an underwhelming offensive showing against the Denver Broncos, where several snaps highlighted the unit being out of sync between Brown and Jalen Hurts. On a midfield option route, Hurts read Cover-2 and waited for an inside break into the soft spot, while Brown maintained a vertical stem and widened to the boundary to stretch the corner. The ball fell into empty space and the drive stalled. On a separate red-zone snap, a pre-snap hot-route signal wasn’t locked identically by the pair, resulting in a hurried throw that was broken up. The staff treated it as a reminder about route-depth precision, timing, and pre-snap communication—the micro-details that underpin the Eagles’ offense when January football arrives. Starting Morin is part of a plan to re-establish rhythm: the early script is expected to emphasize horizontal spacing, short choice/option concepts, and over routes off play-action to probe the Giants’ responses. Morin—who has shown strong hands in tight windows and clean timing in the preseason—should give the call sheet a steadier platform, while Brown will be “activated” in high-leverage downs such as 3rd-and-medium, two-minute, and red zone to maximize his body control, early separation, and the coverage gravity that can force New York to roll coverage. Facing the tough call, Brown kept his response brief but competitive:“I can’t accept letting a kid take my spot, but I respect his decision. Let’s see what we’re saying after the game. I’ll practice and wait for my chance. When the ball is in the air, everyone will know who I am.” Operationally, the staff is expected to streamline the call sheet between Hurts and Brown: standardize option-route depths, clearly flag hot signals, and increase game-speed reps in 7-on-7 and team periods so both are “seeing it the same and triggering the same.” Handing the start to Morin also resets the locker-room standard: every role is earned by tape and daily detail—even for a star of Brown’s caliber. If Brown converts the message into cleaner stems and precise landmarks—catching the ball at the spot and on time—the Eagles anticipate early returns: fewer dead drives, better red-zone execution when back-shoulder throws and choice routes are run “in the same language,” and an offense that regains tempo before taking on Big Blue. With Taylor Morin in the opening script, Philadelphia hopes the fresh piece is enough to jump-start the attack from the first series.