Micah Parsons to lose millions of his $43.4m per year salary at Packers – but will still earn more than Cowboys offer

Micah Parsons to lose millions of his $43.4m per year salary at Packers – but will still earn more than Cowboys offer

In a move that sent shockwaves through the NFL, linebacker Micah Parsons has been traded to the Green Bay Packers. This unexpected acquisition has immediately sparked intense discussions about the Packers' potential for the upcoming season and the financial implications for Parsons himself.

The transition to Wisconsin brings with it a new financial landscape for Parsons. As a resident of the state, he will now be subject to Wisconsin's state income tax, a factor that will undoubtedly impact his overall earnings.

Parsons recently inked a lucrative four-year contract extension worth a staggering $188 million. This deal firmly establishes him as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, a testament to his exceptional talent and impact on the field. However, the location where he plays has significant tax implications.

While the $47 million average annual salary is an impressive figure, the reality is that playing in Green Bay, Wisconsin, means a portion of that income will be subject to state taxes. This financial consideration is a crucial aspect of any professional athlete's contract and overall compensation.

Reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter suggest that Parsons could potentially lose upwards of $3.5 million per year due to Wisconsin's state income tax. This highlights the significant financial impact that location can have on a player's earnings, even with a massive contract.

Despite the tax implications in Wisconsin, it's important to note that Parsons will still earn more under his new Packers contract than he would have under the previous offer from the Dallas Cowboys. This underscores the value the Packers place on his talent and contribution to the team.

Schefter took to X (formerly Twitter) to provide a detailed breakdown of the financial implications. His post offered valuable insights into the accounting aspects of Parsons' contract and the effect of state income tax.

Micah Parsons at a Green Bay Packers press conference.

According to Schefter's calculations, Wisconsin's 7.65% state income tax will effectively reduce Parsons' average annual salary to $43.4 million per year. This illustrates how taxes can significantly impact the net earnings of high-income individuals, especially professional athletes.

Even after accounting for the state income tax, Parsons' $43.4 million net salary still surpasses the $40.5 million average per year that the Cowboys offered him. The Cowboys are located in Texas, a state with no state income tax.

Prior to securing his new contract, Parsons' dissatisfaction with the Cowboys' offer led to him sitting out of training camp and preseason activities. This highlights the importance of fair compensation for professional athletes and their willingness to negotiate for what they believe they deserve.

Despite the contract disputes, Parsons expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Packers, stating, "Y'all don't understand how excited I am to be here." This positive attitude and eagerness to contribute to the team have resonated with Packers fans and the organization alike.

Parsons emphasized his physical readiness and commitment to collaborating with the team's medical staff to develop a plan for ramping up his training and integration into the Packers' system. This proactive approach demonstrates his dedication to being a valuable asset to the team.

The 2025 NFL season is rapidly approaching, and fans are already eagerly anticipating the action. This makes it a great time to secure tickets and catch the excitement of live games. Several online marketplaces are offering deals for fans looking to witness the spectacle firsthand.

Many believe that the acquisition of Micah Parsons could be the missing piece that elevates the Packers to championship contention this year. His talent, leadership, and passion for the game are expected to have a significant impact on the team's performance.

Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys.

Parsons has expressed his commitment to upholding the standards set by legendary Packers players, stating, "I just want to try to sustain the standard that he left here and his print that he left." This respect for the team's history and legacy resonates deeply with the Packers faithful.

He also emphasizes that he is not attempting to replace any legendary players, saying, "I’m never going to try to replace him." Instead, his intention is to build upon their accomplishments and contribute to the team's ongoing success.

The anticipation for the 2025 NFL season is palpable, and fans are actively seeking opportunities to witness their favorite teams in action. The availability of tickets through various online platforms allows fans to easily access the excitement of the game.

These platforms, such as Stubhub, Viagogo, and Vivid Seats, operate as secondary ticketing marketplaces. It's essential to understand that tickets sold on these platforms are resold by individuals or businesses and not directly by the official event organizers.

As a result, ticket prices on secondary marketplaces may fluctuate based on demand and dynamic pricing models. It's crucial to be aware that prices can be listed above or below the original face value of the tickets.

When purchasing tickets through these platforms, it's also important to factor in any additional booking fees and taxes that may apply. These additional costs can significantly impact the overall price of the tickets.

Furthermore, it's essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of the ticketing platform and the event's official ticketing policies. Some events may prohibit the resale of tickets, which could potentially void tickets purchased through secondary marketplaces.

To ensure a smooth and guaranteed entry to the event, it's always recommended to purchase tickets through official channels or authorized ticketing partners. This reduces the risk of encountering issues with ticket validity or access to the venue.