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

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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.

 

Eagles Star CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 game , as his cousin Justin Fuller a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.   Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.”   DeJean —whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dejean that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how he lives and plays today.” In the Eagles’ defensive system, DeJean has steadily earned complete trust thanks to his versatility — working outside at corner, in the slot (nickel), and on coverage units — and standing out for top-end speed, precise tackling angles, and the ability to read quarterbacks. Coaches describe him as “calm, wise beyond his years, and disciplined at the catch point,” consistently maintaining leverage and finishing clean in tight spaces. Through the first five games of 2025, DeJean has played every defensive snap and totaled 36 tackles (26 solo) with five passes defensed, reinforcing his value on the perimeter and inside.  The Philadelphia Eagles have provided time and private support for DeJean and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. An FAA investigation into the accident is underway, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in across social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. DeJean kept his public remarks brief before being embraced by teammates:“He taught me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”