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T.J. Watt's huge Steelers extension weighing on Micah Parsons at Cowboys training camp

T.J. Watt's huge Steelers extension weighing on Micah Parsons at Cowboys training camp

USA Today4 days ago
Steelers' T.J. Watt is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL — and fellow edge rusher Micah Parsons has taken notice.
On Day 1 of Cowboys training camp, reporters asked Parsons if he was discouraged by the stall in extension talks with Dallas — leaving the superstar defender to share his honest feelings on the current state of the edge rusher market, including Watt's new extension.
'Honestly, yeah,' Parsons said. 'When you go around the league and you see these other teams taking care of their best guys — I see T.J. got taken care of. Maxx [Crosby] got taken care of. Myles [Garrett] got taken care of, and he's got two years left on his deal. You see a lot of people in our league getting taken care of and you wish you had that same type of energy."
It was rumored that Parsons could eventually usurp Watt as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league — but the Steelers set the bar high for the Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones to match.
On Monday, Jones hinted at potential injury concerns as a holdup to giving Parsons his payday — sparking intense debate and criticism on social media.
This type of distraction in Dallas is the last thing any team wants to deal with — and the Steelers' front office should be commended for avoiding it by getting Watt's deal done ahead of training camp.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
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5 Alabama football position battles to monitor during 2025 fall camp
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Paul Finebaum reacts to Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith being called best in college football
Paul Finebaum reacts to Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith being called best in college football

USA Today

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  • USA Today

Paul Finebaum reacts to Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith being called best in college football

Sometimes you hear things you just can't believe, especially when a precedent has been set. ESPN's Paul Finebaum's rise to fame came from being the mouthpiece of the SEC. At times it's warranted, and at other times it feels like a schtick to how he plays things up and riles up opposing fanbases not drinking sweet tea and eating grits. And while Finebaum has given Ohio State credit in the past, more often than not, teams and players performing athletic feats in the game of football in the south often get the benefit of the doubt. Color me and a lot of others surprised then by the way Finebaum reacted to the question of whether or not Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith was the best in college football. ESPN's unofficial SEC mascot didn't even hesitate when asked the question on a segment of "Get Up" on the "worldwide leader." 'That he is, he's so good, Greeny. You know, doing the draft, where he would have gone last year, it's incredible he has to stay in college with all the convoluted rules, 'Finebaum said. 'The biggest issue they had last year with Chip Kelly calling the plays was getting him the ball enough. Remember, in the Michigan game. He didn't get the ball enough in the Texas game. I think that will change this year, but he is without a doubt the best player in the game.' I wouldn't say Finebaum's response is shocking, but it might be a little surprising. However, when you have a talent like Smith, who almost every national media member believes is the best player in college football, sometimes it's so obvious that going against it just doesn't make any sense. Heck, even Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was drinking the scarlet and gray colored Kool-Aid when asked about Smith at Big Ten football media days. Finebaum does bring up a good point, though. Can the Ohio State coaching staff and new quarterback get Smith the ball enough in some of the most important games to pull out wins that could mean the difference between a Big Ten and College Football Playoff national championship, and simply having another really good year? Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.

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