Sports
NFL Pass Rushers Cash In: Watt, Garrett, Crosby Lead Mega Deals as Training Camp Opens
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – NFL training camps are now underway across the country, and every team is locked in on the same mission: win the Super Bowl. But as players report, one key position group has stolen the spotlight—pass rushers. From blockbuster contracts to public holdouts, defensive linemen are once again proving why they are the most valuable assets behind quarterbacks.
Elite Pass Rushers Cash In Big
The modern NFL has placed a premium on pass rushers who can disrupt quarterbacks and generate sacks. That importance is reflected in the skyrocketing contracts signed by some of the league’s top edge defenders this offseason.
T.J. Watt missed all of OTAs and minicamp while seeking a new deal from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The organization ultimately made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history with a 3-year, $123 million extension, including $108 million guaranteed.
Myles Garrett, the former Defensive Player of the Year, requested a trade earlier this offseason. The Cleveland Browns responded by locking him in with a 4-year, $160 million deal, which includes $123.5 million guaranteed and a no-trade clause.
Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders signed a 3-year, $106.5 million extension, with $91 million guaranteed.
George Karlaftis of the Kansas City Chiefs reached a 4-year, $93 million extension, with $62 million guaranteed just last Sunday.
These deals highlight a trend: if you’re an elite pass rusher, teams are willing to pay top dollar to keep you.
High-Stakes Holdouts and Contract Drama
While some stars are getting paid, others are still waiting. The Dallas Cowboys and Micah Parsons—a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro—have yet to agree on an extension. Parsons is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is projected to command $40+ million annually.
Team owner Jerry Jones has taken a slow approach, stating during the NFL Annual League Meeting:
“I don’t view it as urgent at all… a lot of the time, the earlier you get something done, the more mistakes you make.”
Parsons responded calmly:
“As long as I’m here and under contract, I’m going to perform at the highest level. But if this is the end, this is the end.”
The comments drew criticism from NFL legends like J.J. Watt, who tweeted:
“Nothing makes guys want to fight for you more than hearing how upset you are that they got hurt while fighting for you.”
Parsons retweeted Watt’s message, signaling his agreement.
Elsewhere, Odafe Oweh of the Baltimore Ravens is entering the final year of his contract after a breakout 2024 season with 10 sacks. While he’s interested in an extension, no deal has materialized. He’s still reporting to camp and added 20 pounds of muscle this offseason, boosting his weight from 245 to 265 lbs.
Bengals’ Pass Rusher Crisis: Hendrickson and Stewart Hold Out
The Cincinnati Bengals are dealing with two major holdouts that threaten to derail their defense once again in 2025.
Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024 (and had 17.5 in 2023), is refusing to report to training camp until he receives a new contract. He called the team’s guaranteed money offer “atrociously low.”
Bengals President Mike Brown said, “We will get it done at some point… I think we are in a good spot,” but no deal has been finalized.
Shemar Stewart, the Bengals’ 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, remains unsigned. He’s training independently at Texas A&M and has openly challenged critics, saying:
“I’m 100 percent right… you all just want to win an argument instead of winning more games.”
Brown dismissed Stewart’s stance as “foolishness,” adding frustration over stalled negotiations. Stewart, considered raw as a prospect, had only 4.5 sacks in his college career, including 1.5 last season, making his absence from camp even more problematic.
These holdouts come as the Bengals aim to fix a defense that contributed to them missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season.
What’s Next?
Parsons Extension Watch: If Dallas doesn’t move quickly, it risks creating a long-term rift with its best defensive player.
Bengals at a Crossroads: Hendrickson’s veteran status gives him leverage, but Shemar Stewart’s development will suffer the longer his holdout continues.
Oweh’s Momentum: After bulking up and producing a breakout year, his 2025 season could be his ticket to a major payday.
Market Reset Looming: If Parsons’ deal sets a new financial benchmark, the ripple effects will be felt across the NFL among younger pass rushers nearing contract years.
Marcus Richardson, a sports reporter for Florida National News, contributed to this report. He can be reached at sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — During Women’s History Month, leaders across the United States are recognized for their contributions to progress, equity and community empowerment. Among them, Florida National News (FNN) recognizes retired U.S. Army Commander Jocelyn Thomas, a military veteran, author, speaker and advocate for women’s sports.
Thomas has built a career defined by service, leadership and storytelling, transitioning from two decades in the U.S. Army to a growing influence in the sports and media industry.
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Facebook page – Tampa (Captain Jocelyn Thomas speaker)
Commander, United States Army (Retired)
Thomas entered the United States Army at just 19 years old, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career that would take her across the United States and around the world.
During her time in service, she held numerous leadership roles including Company Commander (twice), Battalion S3, Battalion Assistant Support Operations Officer (SPO), Executive Officer, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Team Leader.
Her assignments included Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Korea and Florida, along with combat deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay.
As a Company Commander, Thomas led a military unit responsible for approximately 100 to 250 soldiers, overseeing mission readiness, operational planning, training and the well-being of service members under her command.
Her responsibilities included:
- Tactical Leadership: Planning and executing company-level operations and maneuvers
- Training and Readiness: Ensuring soldiers were prepared for combat while maintaining equipment and operational standards
- Personnel Management: Mentoring and developing subordinate leaders, including platoon leaders
- Disciplinary Authority: Upholding military discipline and accountability within the unit
“Being a woman in the Army is a unique experience unlike any other,” Thomas said. “I want people to know that beneath the uniform, I am my own person.”
She describes herself as influential, trustworthy and hardworking. In addition to her military accomplishments, Thomas is also a certified personal trainer and wellness coach, reflecting her continued commitment to leadership, discipline and personal well-being.
Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
Following her military retirement, Thomas transitioned into the sports and media industry, where she currently works as a Crewing Coordinator at ESPN.
In this role, she supports live sports productions, managing behind-the-scenes logistics and coordinating on-air talent to ensure seamless broadcasts.
Thomas is also a Disney Military Fellowship Program Ambassador, representing the program that helps military veterans transition into civilian careers within The Walt Disney Company and ESPN.
Her leadership, organization and communication skills have proven valuable in the fast-paced environment of sports broadcasting.
Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
Prior to joining ESPN, Thomas worked as a Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports, where she helped oversee major sporting events from planning through execution.
Her background as a U.S. Army Operations Officer provided the leadership and logistical expertise needed to manage complex sporting events and coordinate teams working behind the scenes.
Advocate for Women’s Sports
Thomas has also become a passionate advocate for the growth and visibility of women’s sports, particularly women’s flag football.
Her work includes storytelling and coverage for initiatives such as:
- She Is Football Weekend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Girls Flag Football Week with the Atlanta Falcons
- Coverage of Alabama State University’s Women’s Flag Football Team during the 2026 season
Through these efforts, Thomas continues to amplify opportunities for female athletes and expand awareness of women’s football programs across the country.
Author and Motivational Speaker
Beyond sports media, Thomas is also a best-selling author and national keynote speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, resilience and perseverance.
She has delivered presentations for organizations including:
- Collegiate Sports Management Group
- ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Military Influencer Conference
- The Mayweather brand
- Streaming platform Twitch
Thomas has also spoken at universities and institutions such as Spelman College, Full Sail University and the University of Tampa, along with numerous military programs and high schools.
Her philosophy remains simple yet powerful:
“Success is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Impact on Women and Future Leaders
Thomas’ journey from Army commander to sports media professional reflects the growing influence of women leaders in fields traditionally dominated by men, including military leadership, sports broadcasting and athletics.
Through her advocacy for women’s flag football, leadership mentoring and public speaking, Thomas continues to inspire young women, athletes and veterans pursuing new careers after military service.
Key Achievements and Milestones
- 20-year U.S. Army combat veteran
- Three combat deployments
- Two-time U.S. Army Company Commander
- Leader responsible for more than 10,000 soldiers during her military career
- Disney’s first Military Veteran Intern (Fellow) at Disney Sports
- First Disney Fellow to complete the fellowship program and be hired full-time by ESPN
- Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
- Former Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Best-selling author and national keynote speaker
- Sideline reporter and journalist for the Atlanta Truth Women’s Professional Tackle Football team and Alabama State University Women’s Flag Football team
- Mother to Legend Thomas (8)
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About the Florida National News Women’s History Month Series
Each March, Florida National News proudly celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the achievements, leadership, and impact of women across Florida and beyond. This special editorial series spotlights trailblazers in arts, culture, and fashion; business and entrepreneurship; education and academia; government and public service; media and communications; military and veterans; nonprofit and community leadership; philanthropy; and sports and athletics—women whose stories inspire progress and empower future generations.
