When the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers agreed to the Micah Parsons trade last week, it broke the internet. We’d heard rumblings that teams were inquiring about Parsons, but it seemed unfathomable that the Cowboys would actually pull the trigger on a trade.
Well, thanks to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, we now know which teams reached out to inquire about Parsons. As the relationship between Parsons and the Cowboys continued to degrade, the Colts, Bills, Patriots and Panthers all at least checked in on Parsons, with the asking price being firm: two first-round picks and a defensive stud. Plus, of course, they would need to sign Parsons to the contract he wanted.
This is in addition to ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s report from Thursday, that the Eagles tried to trade for Parsons as well. Schefter said that while the Eagles tried to get a deal done, the Cowboys had no interest in trading Parsons within the division. Russini adds that Philadelphia was one of Parsons’ preferred destinations, but the Cowboys were never entertaining such a move, even for a better offer.
In the end, Green Bay came through with the winning offer. They sent the Cowboys two first-round picks — one in 2026 and one in 2027 — as well as DT Kenny Clark for Parsons. They then signed Parsons to a four-year, $186 million deal, for a whopping $46.5 million in average annual salary. That mark shatters the previous NFL record for a non-quarterback. The Packers were Parsons’ other preferred destination, if Philly wasn’t on the table, something that likely factored into the decision.
Every Team in the NFL Should Have Tried to Trade for Micah Parsons
Jared C. Tilton/GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after sacking Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers during the second half of the game at Bank of America Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
It really doesn’t matter how good your defense already is. Micah Parsons will make you better. The three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021, and he’s one of just two NFL players all-time to record at least 12 sacks in each of his first four seasons.
Russini reported that the Vikings, Broncos, Bengals, Texans, Chiefs, Browns, Commanders, Titans, 49ers, and Rams never engaged in talks with the Cowboys. Whether this was due to considerations of money, timing, or simply the asking price — this was a mistake. Whether they would have been able to get a deal done or not, when a player of Parsons’ caliber becomes available, you have to at least kick the tires.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Pass Rush Left Something to Be Desired Against the Eagles
On Thursday night’s season-opening game against the defending-champion Eagles, Parsons’ absence on Dallas’ defensive front was felt. Outside of a few plays, the Cowboys were unable to consistently pressure Eagles QB Jalen Hurts.
The Cowboys have high hopes for rookie second-round ED Donovan Ezeiruaku, and he had a nice run stop on Thursday. But he also lost contain on a key conversion for the Eagles, and he has a lot of growth to undergo before he’s a consistent difference-maker.
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