From Dallas to new destinations: How Parsons’ Packers move mirrors Luka Doncic’s departure

Micah Parsons’ blockbuster move to the Green Bay Packers continues to reverberate through the NFL. Widely regarded as one of the league’s top defensive stars, his departure from Dallas has sparked intense criticism from Cowboys fans questioning the team’s decision.

This isn’t the first unexpected sports exit Dallas has seen in recent months. Less than seven months ago, Luka Doncic left the Mavericks, another beloved figure in the city and the NBA, leaving fans still frustrated with the team’s management.

Micah Parsons heads to Green Bay Packers

Parsons officially joined the Packers following a high-profile contract saga with the Cowboys, confirmed by both teams and Parsons himself on social media.

Green Bay offered a record-setting four-year deal worth $188 million, including $136 million guaranteed. Parsons’ new average annual salary of $47 million is the highest in NFL history for any player outside the quarterback position.

In exchange for Parsons, Dallas received:

• 2026 first-round draft pick
• 2027 first-round draft pick
• Three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kenny Clark from Green Bay

Parsons has racked up 52.5 sacks in 63 NFL games, recording at least 12 sacks in every season. Notably, the Packers have not had a player reach double-digit sacks since 2020.

Considered one of the league’s elite defenders, Parsons requested a trade from Dallas on August 1 amid stalled contract negotiations. Entering the fifth and final year of his rookie deal, he and the Cowboys could not agree on an extension.

Parsons improves Packers’ prospects

With Parsons on board, the Packers instantly become one of the strongest teams in the NFC. Already competitive, Parsons strengthens a defense that ranked fourth in EPA per game in 2024. However, the team has won just one playoff game over the past two seasons with Jordan Love at quarterback.

Luka Doncic leaves Dallas for Los Angeles Lakers

Meanwhile, the Mavericks traded their longtime superstar, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team deal. The Lakers sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick to Dallas as part of the agreement, which also involved the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz received Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick originally belonging to the Lakers, and Dallas’ 2025 second-round pick.

“Everyone felt hurt when Luka was traded. I did too, because I felt like I let people down by not being there. But what’s done is done,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said on the podcast DLLS Mavs.

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