Micah Parsons News - Sportsnaut

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

Matt Higgins — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:54:39 +0000

Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It’s been a frustrating offseason for Dallas Cowboys fans, to say the least.

After staggering to a 7-10 season where they missed the playoffs entirely, Dallas fired Mike McCarthy only to promote offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach in what many consider an underwhelming move.

According to OverTheCap.com, the Cowboys are sitting on over $53 million in cap space, yet their only significant investment has been a four-year, $80 million extension to defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa.

They’ve made minor moves elsewhere – signing wide receiver/return specialist KaVontae Turpin to a reported three-year, $18 million deal and trading for cornerback Kaiir Elam, a former first-round draft pick, from the Buffalo Bills.

Meanwhile, owner Jerry Jones has yet to secure All-Pro Micah Parsons with an extension as his market value continues to climb, and the roster adjustments so far have lacked the impact needed for a genuine turnaround.

Now, a four-time Pro Bowler is exiting Dallas after 11 seasons.

Defensive stalwart leaves Dallas Cowboys for Seattle Seahawks

Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that four-time Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is departing the Cowboys and signing a three-year, $42 million deal ($18 million guaranteed) with the Seattle Seahawks.

Lawrence appeared in just four games during 2024 after a foot injury sidelined him for most of the season. Despite his limited action, he was remarkably productive, recording three sacks, four tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and one forced fumble in those appearances.

For Demarcus Lawrence, a 3-year, $42M max deal with $18M guaranteed, a contract negotiated by @davidcanter and @NessMugrabi of @aurasportsgroup. https://t.co/DTtr1ypLYz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2025

This represents a devastating loss for a Cowboys defense that already struggled mightily in 2024, ranking 28th in the league while surrendering 355.2 yards per game. The Seahawks, meanwhile, add a proven edge rusher to bolster their 14th-ranked defense.

Lawrence, a second-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, spent his entire 11-year career in Dallas, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defensive ends.

During his tenure with the Cowboys, Lawrence amassed 61.5 sacks, 97 tackles for loss, 126 quarterback hits, two interceptions, 20 pass breakups, and 21 forced fumbles.

More must-reads:

‘They lied to me’: New York Giants accused of breaking draft promise to All-Pro superstar

Matt Higgins — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 01:12:49 +0000

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants’ recent personnel decisions continue to haunt the franchise.

The organization has already faced criticism for letting franchise favorite Saquon Barkley walk in free agency, a drama that played out on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” Giants general manager Joe Schoen infamously declared he didn’t want his $40 million quarterback, Daniel Jones — whom he released during the 2024 season — to hand off to a $12 million running back.

Giants owner John Mara had said he would have sleepless nights if Barkley went to the Philadelphia Eagles. Those nightmares became reality as Barkley, in his first season with Philadelphia, rushed for over 2,000 yards, scored 15 total touchdowns, earned MVP finalist honors, and helped lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl.

Now, another personnel misstep has come to light.

All-Pro reveals New York Giants were supposed to draft him

Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas Cowboys All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons revealed the Giants had promised to draft him in 2021 — only to trade away their pick.

“They lied to me. People don’t know this. They told me if I fell to 11 that they were going to pick me,” Parsons said in a recent interview.

Michah Parsons reveals he was supposed to be a Giant:

"The Giants lied to me… They told me, if I fell to 11 that they was gonna pick me. I swear. … It's personal when I play them."

NYG traded back & took Kadarius Toney instead.

(🎥 @BMac_SportsTalk)pic.twitter.com/u2vQAfzr4I
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 6, 2025

Instead of selecting Parsons, the Giants traded the 11th overall pick to the Chicago Bears for the 20th and 164th overall picks in 2021, plus first-round and fourth-round picks in 2022. The Bears selected quarterback Justin Fields, while the Cowboys grabbed Parsons at No. 12. Then-Giants GM Dave Gettleman used the 20th pick on wide receiver Kadarius Toney, who lasted less than two seasons with the team.

“That’s why I punish the Giants every time. It’s personal with them,” Parsons said.

Parsons has indeed made the Giants pay for their decision. In eight career games against New York, he has recorded 4.5 sacks, 14 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback hits.

More must-reads:

Micah Parsons reveals when he wants new Dallas Cowboys contract done by

Matt Higgins — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 03:32:53 +0000

Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

It’s been a massively disappointing season for the Dallas Cowboys.

The team had Super Bowl aspirations coming into the year, after making the playoffs the last three seasons. However, injuries have marred a team that is now on the outside looking in at the postseason picture.

On top of losing quarterback Dak Prescott to season-ending hamstring surgery, Dallas also had significant injuries to Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Samuel Williams, DeMarvion Overshown, Trevon Diggs, and Zack Martin.

With the team sitting at 6-8 and a long shot to make the playoffs, attention is turning to next year and what the Cowboys will do about Parsons’ contract.

The All-Pro linebacker is still on his rookie deal, as the Cowboys exercised the fifth-year option for $21.4 million for 2025. With his contract nearing an end, fans are getting anxious about when Dallas will sign Parsons to a mega-extension and make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL.

Micah Parsons sounds off about Dallas Cowboys future

Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

While speaking to reporters Thursday, Parsons made it known that he wants to get an extension done before free agency begins in March, but he did not give an ultimatum.

“I’m going to try and work with them as much as possible to help them attack free agency,” Parsons told ESPN’s Todd Archer. “I want to be back with this team. This offseason, I want to be here. I want to get these guys right. I want to take big steps, so hopefully it can be done sooner than later so we can attack the offseason.”

Parsons once again stated he doesn’t need to be the highest-paid defensive player, a distinction that currently belongs to San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa at $34 million per year.

“I think I’m the best player in the world. I don’t throw numbers out there like that,” Parsons said. “I’ll see what they’re willing to give me.

“It would be nice to be surrounded by good players. Players that will help me win championships, I’ll say that. To me, having $40 million and being chipped every play and slid into three, four people, that doesn’t sound too fun to me.”

Micah Parsons says he doesn’t need Cowboys to pay him $40M or to become NFL’s highest-paid defensive player.
“It would be nice to be surrounded by good players. Players are going to help you win championships. I want to keep as many guys as possible. … I want to work with them.” pic.twitter.com/XvmROc6dWj
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) December 19, 2024

The Cowboys have made Prescott the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL and CeeDee Lamb the second-highest-paid wide receiver.

According to ESPN’s Archer, getting a long-term extension done with Parsons would leave the Cowboys in a better salary-cap position by lowering Parsons’ $21.4 million figure for next season.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has repeatedly said they will not trade Parsons and that the All-Pro’s future remains in Dallas.

Over 60 games in four seasons, Parsons has recorded 49 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 59 tackles for loss, and 108 quarterback hits.

More must-reads:

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says defensive stalwart ‘close’ to returning

Matt Higgins — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 16:30:10 +0000

Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys could be getting their All-Pro linebacker back sooner rather than later.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan that Micah Parsons is “close” to returning. However, it probably won’t happen in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on @1053thefan said Micah Parsons (ankle) is "close" to returning but he's "iffy" for Sunday against the Lions.

Jones on rookie LT Tyler Guyton (knee): "He's got a good chance to play against Detroit."

Jones on CB DaRon Bland (foot): "I don't think…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 8, 2024

“When they’re this close, they’ll be evaluated carefully. That’s iffy (his status for Sunday), but we’ll see how it works out,” Jones said to 105.3 The Fan.

Parsons suffered a high ankle sprain during Week 4’s Thursday night win against the New York Giants.

Parsons had his left leg rolled up on by Giants offensive lineman Greg Van Roten. Parsons walked off the field with help, but ended up being carted back to the locker room.

Parsons missed Sunday night’s thrilling victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game didn’t end until 1 a.m. ET due to a weather delay.

#Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence is expected to miss multiple weeks because of the foot injury he suffered Thursday night, per sources.

With Micah Parsons dealing with a high-ankle sprain, Dallas now likely will be without two of its top defenders until after the Week 7 bye. pic.twitter.com/6OcbyM5OUy
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 27, 2024

Dallas Cowboys dealing with injuries on multiple fronts

Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Parsons isn’t the only Cowboys player hurting right now.

Jerry Jones provided injury updates on 3 key players ahead of #Cowboys/Lions when he joined @1053SS, @rjchoppy and @BobbyBeltTX this morning on 105.3 The Fan

Listen: https://t.co/PvoPLcky4p pic.twitter.com/FppG4s7meL
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) October 8, 2024

Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence is still out after suffering a foot sprain against the Giants. Separately, ESPN’s Todd Archer reports rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland will be out four-to-six weeks with a meniscus tear.

Jones told 105.3 The Fan that left tackle Tyler Guyton has a “good chance” to play against the Lions after dealing with a knee injury. But, cornerback DaRon Bland might need some more time with his foot issue.

“I don’t think he’ll get there this week, but he’s on schedule. We thought (he’d be back) after the bye. We’ll see how he works out there this week, too. It’s not impossible,” Jones said about Bland.

The Cowboys are 3.5-point home underdogs vs. the Lions on Sunday.

More must-reads:

Injuries to Dallas Cowboys’ Micah Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence ‘worse than anticipated’

Matt Higgins — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 20:49:42 +0000

Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys’ Thursday night win against division-rival New York Giants came at a considerable cost.

#Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence is expected to miss multiple weeks because of the foot injury he suffered Thursday night, per sources.

With Micah Parsons dealing with a high-ankle sprain, Dallas now likely will be without two of its top defenders until after the Week 7 bye. pic.twitter.com/6OcbyM5OUy
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 27, 2024

Linebacker Micah Parsons was carted off with a high left ankle sprain and defensive end Demarcus Lawrence suffered a right foot sprain. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, both players will likely miss the Week 5 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In Lawrence’s case, he is expected to miss multiple weeks.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy says both injuries “are worse than we anticipated,” adding that Parsons and Lawrence are getting second opinions.

Mike McCarthy said Micah Parsons (ankle), DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) are getting second opinions on their injuries. He said Lawrence's is worse than Parsons', but both "are worse than we anticipated.”
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 27, 2024

Parsons had his left leg rolled up on by Giants offensive lineman Greg Van Roten. Parsons walked off the field with help, but ended up being carted back to the locker room. He received an MRI Friday. It’s not yet known how much time he will miss.

Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Lawrence suffered his injury while going after Giants quarterback Daniel Jones in the third quarter.

Who will replace Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence?

Defensive ends Marshawn Kneeland and Chauncey Golston finished the game when Parsons and Lawrence went out. ESPN’s Todd Archer reports defensive end Carl Lawson was elevated from the Cowboys’ practice squad the past two weeks, and defensive end Tyrus Wheat is on the 53-man roster, but has been inactive the last two games.

Both Parsons and Lawrence have been stalwarts. Parsons only missed one game because of COVID in 2021 and Lawrence had played in 38 consecutive games.

The #Cowboys have a full 10 days between games, giving star Micah Parsons extra time to recover if the MRI confirms a high-ankle sprain. It’s #Steelers, then #Lions then a bye week.

So if Parsons has to miss a few weeks, the bye comes at the perfect time. pic.twitter.com/i4Ku57xsj5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 27, 2024

The Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in the league heading into Thursday night’s game against the New York Giants, but were able to keep the Giants’ offense in check all night. The Cowboys held the Giants to just 15 points and only allowed 26 rushing yards, after allowing a league-high 187 rushing yards per game heading in.

The 2-2 Cowboys face the 3-0 Steelers next on Sunday, Oct. 6. They then take on the Detroit Lions at home and then the San Francisco 49ers on the road following a bye week.

More must-reads:

Dallas Cowboys’ Micah Parsons carted off, New York Giants’ Malik Nabers suffers concussion in Thursday night game

Matt Higgins — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 03:51:01 +0000

Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants both have major injury scares coming out of their Thursday night matchup.

During the Cowboys’ 20-15 win, Dallas All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons had to be carted off the field with a foot injury. Parsons appeared to get his left leg rolled up on by Giants offensive lineman Greg Van Roten.

Micah Parsons –

Left foot, concern for:
-Midfoot sprain
-High ankle (hard to tell if defender rolled him into eversion but fits mechanism with foot planted and defenders weight displacement)

Likely to undergo imaging to determine if fracture occurred
pic.twitter.com/VQl95P6vPN
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 27, 2024

Parsons walked off the field with help, but ended up being carted back to the locker room.

MICAH PARSONS GETTING CARTED TO THE LOCKER ROOM

NOT GOOD pic.twitter.com/nNybe06WIn
— Dallas Nation (@TheDallasNation) September 27, 2024

That wasn’t the only injury on the defensive side of the ball for the Cowboys. They also lost edge rusher Demarcus Lawrence with a foot injury as well.

On the Giants’ side, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers suffered a concussion after attempting to make a sideline catch late in the fourth quarter. He was down for a bit after slamming his head on the field.

Malik Nabers was slow to get up after this play and is now in the medical tent.

Hope he's okay 🙏pic.twitter.com/xuWs9VYOx5
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 27, 2024

Nabers was able to walk off under his own power.

As of late Thursday night, there are no injury updates on the three players.

The Cowboys are now 2-2 as the Giants fell to 1-3.

Related: 2024 NFL Power Rankings

More must-reads:

Micah Parsons reaction to the Dallas Cowboys’ 1st-round pick in NFL Draft was not ideal

Vincent Frank — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:30:00 +0000

Joe Rondone / The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORKJoe Rondone / The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK

Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys have had themselves a rather interesting offseason. The all-world defender continues to speak out about all things Cowboys after they fell to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs back in January.

It’s not surprise. Parsons if a very opinionated personality. Meanwhile, Dallas’ offseason had been very questionable leading up to the start of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday.

A video of Parsons’ reaction to the Cowboys selecting Oklahoma offensive lineman Tyler Guyton No. 29 is now going viral and making its rounds. To say that he didn’t seem to be too happy would be an understatement.

Cowboys superstar Micah Parsons reacts to the Cowboys picking Tyler Guyton at No. 29 in the NFL Draft #DallasCowboys

(🎥: @BleacherReport) pic.twitter.com/L91Uygz4j9
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) April 26, 2024

Parsons originally posted on X that his reaction was due to the star defender having to do 10 push-ups because Guyton wasn’t on his list of players for the Cowboys to pick. That post was quickly deleted.

What makes matters worse? Parsons’ reaction to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles landing cornerback Quinyon Mitchell seven picks earlier was one of utter digust. Literally.

Micah Parsons "utterly disgusted" by the Eagles drafting CB Quinyon Mitchell 😭 pic.twitter.com/MygE3R07BP
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 26, 2024

Again, not ideal if you’re an executive for the Cowboys.

Trouble brewing between Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys?

Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

While not attempting to read too much into this, Parsons’ public display on Thursday came after reports that members of the Cowboys front office are growing tired of his antics.

“I’ve heard from way too many people this offseason. I’m talking about at least four different people (have told me) that Micah has worn thin there. I don’t know how much is true and how much it actually hurts (his reputation).

I don’t know whether this is the behavior of a typical superstar. I don’t how damaging it is. But all I do know is this – I’ve heard from way too many people that if Micah Parsons was out of there, there would be a decent amount of people inside the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco smiling or breathing a sigh of relief.”
Report on Micah Parsons situation from back on April 5

Dallas just picked up the $21.32 million option on Parsons’ contract for the 2025 season. He’s eligible for an extension for the first time in his career this offseason and wants to become the highest-paid defender in NFL history.

Whether that plays a role in this drama remains to be seen. But things don’t seem to be great between the star and his team right now.

More must-reads:

Troubling new Micah Parsons information surfaces regarding Dallas Cowboys star

Vincent Frank — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 22:23:45 +0000

Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY SportsGregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Micah Parsons has been one of the best defensive players in the NFL since the Dallas Cowboys made him a first-round pick out of Penn State in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The pass rusher has earned a Pro Bowl each season he’s suited up in Big D and is a two-time NFL All-Pro. At just 24 years old, the sky seems to be the limit for Parsons on the field.

Off the field, it’s somewhat of a different question. At the very least, Parsons’ social media activity and willingness to criticize the Cowboys’ brass has been somewhat of an issue.

With the still-young defender eligible for an extension for the first time in his career, we could see these antics become a larger problem as the offseason moves forward.

Micah Parsons has ‘worn thin’ with the Dallas Cowboys

Credit: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK

Is there something happening in contract talks we don’t know about behind the scenes? Are Cowboys officials not happy about Parsons’ social media activity? We’re not too sure. What we do know is that Shan Shariff of 105.3 The Fan in Dallas provided an alarming report on Friday.

“I’ve heard from way too many people this offseason. I’m talking about at least four different people (have told me) that Micah has worn thin there. I don’t know how much is true and how much it actually hurts (his reputation).

I don’t know whether this is the behavior of a typical superstar. I don’t how damaging it is. But all I do know is this – I’ve heard from way too many people that if Micah Parsons was out of there, there would be a decent amount of people inside the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco smiling or breathing a sigh of relief.”
Report on potential Micah Parsons drama with the Dallas Cowboys

That’s not what you want to hear about a franchise cornerstone and potentially the best player on your roster. There were also previous issues relating to Parsons potentially not wanting to play multiple positions like he has in the past.

For his part, Parsons noted after Dallas’ season ended prematurely in the playoffs once again that he doesn’t want to play anywhere else.

This is certainly a story to watch unfold over the next several weeks and months. Everything is bigger in Texas. That could end up including drama between Parsons and the ‘Boys.

More must-reads:

Micah Parsons: CeeDee Lamb is priority for Cowboys

Sportsnaut — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 16:04:57 +0000

Credit: Joe Rondone / The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK

While Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons says he’s ready to commit to the team “for life,” he also understands that the club may have a higher priority in negotiating with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

“I know they gotta get CeeDee Lamb done. I think that’s the priority right now,” Parsons told NFL Network on Friday.

Lamb, 24, heads into the 2024 season on the last season of his contract thanks to a fifth-year option.

However, after a season in which he set a Cowboys’ franchise record for receptions (135) and receiving yards (1,749), Lamb is expected to seek a significant increase from his $17.9 million fifth-year salary. That would bring him more in line with the annual salaries of other wide receivers in the league like Miami’s Tyreek Hill ($30 million) and Las Vegas’ Davante Adams ($28 million).

In early January, when asked if he would like to be the NFL’s highest-paid receiver, Lamb said, “Ideally, yeah, for sure.”

Parsons, 24, also has the numbers to earn a raise, having earned Pro Bowl team and All-Pro nods in each of his first three seasons. Selected by the Cowboys with the 12th pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, Parsons has one year left on his rookie deal, with this offseason being the first opportunity to extend his deal.

“If they’re ready to talk about a deal and get a deal done, I’ll be super excited,” he said. “You know I’m ready to be (with the) Cowboys for life, this is the team I wanted to be with, this is the team I want to win a championship with.

“What’s meant for me is meant for me. I’m not gonna rush the process, I’m gonna just enjoy the process and keep working until it’s time.”

Parsons had 14.0 sacks to lead the Cowboys in 2023. He has a career total of 40.5 sacks in 50 games, all starts.

–Field Level Media

More must-reads:

Top 10 most indispensable players in the NFL, including Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill

David Kull — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 18:46:26 +0000

Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates toward fans against the Buffalo Bills prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Every NFL player can be replaced. But not every player is easily replaceable.

When a star player leaves the field and the next player on the team depth chart takes his place, there is typically a drop-off in performance because the replacement player is incapable of performing at the same elite level.

Also Read:: NFL MVP odds 2023-24: Lamar Jackson gets back into MVP picture in Week 14

For a select few NFL players, however, the decline in productivity is much more pronounced. They might even qualify as “indispensable” — meaning their team’s Super Bowl chances are tied directly to the player’s presence on the field.

Constructing a list of the NFL’s most indispensable players is about determining whose absence would hurt the most. While it’s difficult to assess overall impact unless the player is out for a significant amount of time, here is one list of 10 players whose teams could least afford to do without.

10. Trent Williams, 49ers LT

It might seem easy to insert a skill-position player in this and every other spot on this indispensable players list, and several would qualify from Williams’ own team — like Christian McCaffrey or George Kittle. But Williams’ impact on the 49ers’ offense cannot be understated.

Regardless of position, there might not be a better football player on the field each NFL weekend than Williams, a 10-time Pro Bowl performer. He protects Brock Purdy’s backside and erases the fiercest pass rushers in the game, and he obliterates everything in his path when the 49ers call a running play behind him.

YouTube is awash with highlights of Williams’ greatness, and there’s just not another player the 49ers could use in his place who’d have even close to having the same impact.

9. Myles Garrett, Browns DE

From Trent Willliams to the man that Williams referred to as “a Hall of Fame pass rusher.” Williams and Garrett matched up in one of the most titanic battles of the 2023 season, and it was Garrett’s team that came out on top, thanks largely to Garrett’s constant pressure off the edge.

There’s a reason the Browns’ defense is ranked No. 1 in the NFL and was able to hand the 49ers their first loss of the season. While much of it has to do with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s scheme, the scheme is only as good as the players executing it. And the Browns’ defense is only as good as its best player — Myles Garrett.

Without Garrett, the Browns might still have a top 10 defense, but Garrett is what sets it apart — and why he’s among the most indispensable players.

8. Micah Parsons, Cowboys LB

Parsons is an absolute game-changer, whether he’s bringing heat from the outside or chasing down a ballcarrier. He’s a freak athlete who’s the primary reason the Cowboys now rank in the top five in total defense on an annual basis.

Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn can line up Parsons anywhere along the line of scrimmage and find plenty of favorable matchups because there are no players who can match his power, speed and athleticism. If the Cowboys were forced to play without Parsons for an extended period of time, it would be like removing the teeth from a shark.

7. Jalen Hurts, Eagles QB

As the Eagles were going 10-1 to lead the NFL through the first 12 weeks of the season, Hurts was leading the way and garnering support as the NFL MVP favorite.

His ability to rally the Eagles back from five halftime deficits this season is more than ample evidence of Hurts’ indispensability. As a dual-threat quarterback, Hurts used his arm and his legs to great effect to make sure the Eagles walked off the football field with a victory.

Although he might not have the overall passing stats of other quarterbacks, he’s proven repeatedly how important he is to the Eagles’ success. Without him, the Eagles could probably make the playoffs, but with him, they can win the Super Bowl.

6. T.J. Watt, Steelers LB

Early in the season Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin called T.J. Watt “the greatest defensive player on the planet right now.” Tomlin might be biased because Watt plays for his team. But he also might be right.

When Watt is on the field, he can singlehandedly wreck the opposing team’s offense. He’s relentless coming off the edge, and he often leaves offensive tackles helpless with his physicality and assortment of moves.

The Steelers’ defense has long been a strength of the team — because of Watt. He missed a substantial amount of time last season due to injury, and the Pittsburgh defense wasn’t close to being the same. But Watt is back with a vengeance this season, and could end up with his second NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in three years.

5. Lamar Jackson, Ravens QB

The Baltimore Ravens own the best record in the AFC and are the likely favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. That would be far from a possibility without Lamar Jackson on the field.

Jackson, a former NFL MVP, is the Ravens’ offense. As he’s evolved as a quarterback, Jackson has become smarter and more efficient when it comes to using his right arm and his legs. And it has paid huge dividends for the Ravens, who have the AFC’s highest-scoring offense outside of Miami.

Last week in Baltimore’s 37-31 win over the Rams, Jackson threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns and ran for additional 70 yards. No one can replicate those numbers, and his impact.

4. Tyreek Hill, Dolphins WR

On Monday against Tennessee, Tyreek Hill hurt his ankle when he was being tackled near the sideline in the first quarter, and he needed to leave the game. He didn’t return until the third quarter.

While Hill was out of the game, the Dolphins’ offense, which leads the AFC in scoring, scored zero points, and they ended up losing the game, 28-27.

That might be all you need to know about what Hill means to Miami.

He’s the single most explosive player in the NFL today, heading toward toward becoming the first receiver in NFL history to reach 2,000 receiving yards. No team can adequately prepare for Hill’s game-changing speed because no one else can replicate it. On a list of the most indispensable players, Hill is the lone receiver because he stands alone.

3. Josh Allen, Bills QB

There’s no NFL team whose fortunes rise and fall based on one player more than the Buffalo Bills with their quarterback, Josh Allen.

On a list of the most indispensable players, Allen might be the ultimate “climb on my back” player. Allen shoulders more of the team’s load than any player in the league, whether he’s lasering passes to his receivers or tucking the ball and sprinting for a big gain.

As a testament to his placement on this list of the most indispensable players, Allen has passed for 25 touchdowns and run for 10 more, and it’s never a surprise to read the box score and see that he led the Bills in rushing again.

2. Nick Bosa, 49ers DE

The 49ers’ defense is loaded with talent, from linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw to safety Talanoa Hufanga (who’s out for the season) and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. But everyone in red and gold knows who’s most responsible for the 49ers’ defensive excellence: Nick Bosa.

Bosa is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year and, after this offseason, the highest-paid defensive player in the game. But when you are indispensable as he is, why not?

In 2020, Bosa was carted off the field in Week 2 with a season-ending ACL tear. And the 49ers’ hopes went right with him. Since he’s been back, the 49ers have been fixtures in the NFC championship game. Even if his sack numbers are down, as they are this season, he supplies more pressure on a consistent basis than any defensive player in the game, including the ones on this list.

If any defensive player could top the list of the most indispensable players, it would be Nick Bosa.

1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs QB

When you are a two-time NFL MVP and a two-time Super Bowl champion, you aren’t just qualified to appear on a list of the most indispensable players. The list begins and ends with you.

Mahomes is the single most indispensable player and has earned that lofty distinction. Sure, he’s had a down season compared to past seasons, and his numbers fall short of other quarterbacks around the league.

But there’s no downplaying Mahomes’ impact on the Chiefs, and there’s little doubt that he is the best player on the field. As long as the Chiefs have Mahomes, they are a Super Bowl threat every year.

More must-reads: