The logic behind the Packers decision to trade Micah Parsons from Cowboys
The All-Pro linebacker leaves Dallas after a contract standoff, instantly transforming Green Bay into NFC contenders.
Micah Parsons is officially a Green Bay Packer after weeks of drama surrounding his contract with the Dallas Cowboys. The move was confirmed by both teams – and by the player himself on social media.
The Packers offered a record four-year, $188m contract with $136m guaranteed, the highest average annual salary ever for a non-quarterback at $47m per year.
In the Parsons trade, the Cowboys received:
- 2026 first-round pick
- 2027 first-round pick
- Three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kenny Clark of the Green Bay Packers
NFC North betting favorites
Betting markets immediately shifted. According to BetMGM, Green Bay’s Super Bowl odds jumped from +2200 to +1300, and they are now favorites to win the NFC North at +175, ahead of the Detroit Lions.
Parsons has recorded 52.5 sacks in 63 NFL games, reaching at least 12 in every season of his career. The Packers have not had a defender reach double-digit sacks since 2020.
The linebacker, considered one of the best defensive players in the league, requested a trade from Dallas on August 1 amid tense negotiations for a contract extension. He was entering the fifth and final year of his rookie deal, but no agreement was reached.
Parsons’ honors include Defensive Rookie of the Year, four Pro Bowl selections, and three All-Pro nods – two of them first-team – since being drafted 12th overall in 2021 out of Penn State.
What are the Packers doing with Micah Parsons?
The Packers finished last season third in the NFC North at 11-6, behind Detroit (15-2) and Minnesota (14-3). They reached the playoffs via the Wild Card but were eliminated by the Philadelphia Eagles, 22-10.
Now, with Parsons on board, Green Bay’s defense – already ranked fourth in EPA per play in 2024 – becomes one of the most formidable in the conference. The question remains whether Jordan Love and the offense can take the next step, as the Packers have won just one playoff game in his two seasons as starter.
Parsons’ first reunion with his old team comes quickly. Green Bay visit the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 28, a date now circled on the NFL calendar.
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