The Blockbuster Trade of Micah Parsons: Review and Grade

Trade Details:

● To Green Bay Packers: Micah Parsons

● To Dallas Cowboys: Kenny Clark (Pro Bowl DT), 2026 1st-round pick, 2027 1st-round

pick

Dallas Cowboys Trade Grade: B

The Cowboys receive a strong return for a player they reportedly were not planning to extend

under current cap conditions. In exchange for Parsons, Dallas acquires a Pro Bowl defensive

lineman in Kenny Clark and two future first-round picks a solid haul, especially given the public

perception that Parsons might simply use trade talk as leverage.

With Micah reportedly unwilling to report without a long-term deal, and Jerry Jones already

committed to a historically large contract for Dak Prescott, this trade signals a clear

organizational stance. They opted to retain financial flexibility and invest in the trenches and the

future draft capital instead of extending Parsons.

However, the decision not to pay a 25 year old, generational talent entering his prime

particularly at a premium position leaves some concern. History favors teams that retain and

invest in young, elite pass rushers. While the compensation is strong given the situation, letting

go of a player of Parsons’ caliber is rarely a long-term win unless the picks turn into stars.

Green Bay Packers Trade Grade: A

For the Packers, this is an aggressive, win-now move that significantly boosts their defensive

ceiling. Micah Parsons has been in Defensive Player of the Year conversations, and now joins a

front seven that already includes Rashan Gary, Devonte Wyatt, and Karl Brooks. Though Kenny

Clark is a major piece to lose, the Packers’ depth on the interior defensive line should soften the

blow. In a division with explosive offenses Jared Goff and the Lions, an ascending Vikings

squad, and a developing Bears team pass rushers like Parsons are not just luxuries; they are

necessities.

The downside is the massive contract. A four year, $188 million deal with $120 million

guaranteed is unprecedented for a non quarterback. But if Parsons performs at his usual level top

five in sacks and pressures, top 15 in tackles for loss it will be money well spent.

The Packers didn’t overplay their hand during negotiations and capitalized on Dallas contract

standoff. They paid a steep price, but one that is entirely justified for a game changing defensive

presence.

Conclusion:

There is no doubt in my mind that the Dallas Cowboys should have matched the contract the

Green Bay Packers gave to Micah Parsons. He is a generational talent, and players of his caliber

especially those who haven't yet entered their prime are typically the ones you invest in long-

term. That said, if the Cowboys were set on moving him, they managed to secure a respectable

return.

Acquiring a Pro Bowl caliber interior defensive lineman in Kenny Clark addresses a major

weakness from last season, as the interior of their defensive line struggled to consistently stop the

run and generate pressure. However, this move significantly weakens their pass rush, which has

been one of their core defensive strengths in recent years.

From the Packers’ perspective, this is an unequivocal win. Landing a player who has often drawn

comparisons to Lawrence Taylor in the media and doing so without giving up more than two

first-round picks and a player swap makes this arguably one of the best trade acquisitions of the

decade. Not only have they bolstered their pass rush in a major way, but they’ve done so by

bringing in a young, elite defender whose best football is likely still ahead of him.

Written by: Blake Korn

The Blockbuster Trade of Micah Parsons: Review and Grade