The NFL world was taken by surprise when news broke that Micah Parsons had officially requested a trade from the Dallas Cowboys. While such moves are not uncommon in professional sports, they are quite rare for the Cowboys. Parsons has been present at training camp practices in Oxnard, California, but has refrained from participating on the field as he seeks a new contract in what is the fifth and final year of his rookie deal. Since his debut in the 2021 season, Parsons has consistently been one of the league’s premier defenders, averaging 13 sacks per season.
Despite the current tense situation, it remains highly improbable that the Cowboys will trade the four-time Pro Bowler. It is far more likely that the situation will de-escalate, with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones engaging in discussions with Parsons’ representatives, ultimately reaching an agreement before the season commences. However, it is still worthwhile to explore the potential offers that might be on the table in a hypothetical trade scenario.
While this may not be the optimal time to facilitate a trade—ideally, it would occur before free agency and the draft—if the Cowboys were to entertain offers for Parsons, numerous teams would express interest in acquiring the elite 26-year-old pass rusher. Here are three potential offers that emerged from our mock exercise.
New York Jets
Jets trade RB Breece Hall, DE Jermaine Johnson, 2026 second-round pick, 2027 second-rounder and 2028 third-rounder for Parsons
The Jets are not in an ideal position to trade first-round picks, although the prospect of acquiring a player of Parsons’ caliber is undeniably tempting. The Jets are prioritizing young players as they transition from the previous regime—and Parsons, still only 26, plays a crucial position and would inject much-needed star power into a team currently lacking it outside of Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson.
The Jets would, of course, have to meet Parsons’ financial demands, but it would be a worthwhile investment in this scenario. The proposed package does not include any first-round picks but remains substantial: The Cowboys would receive two talented young players at positions of need. Hall is in the final year of his contract, while Johnson has another year remaining on his rookie deal, and Dallas defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton (formerly with the Jets) is well aware of Johnson’s capabilities—he earned a Pro Bowl selection two years ago. While he is not Parsons, Johnson possesses the potential to improve with time and development. The Jets are confident in their running back depth with Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, so losing Hall would not cripple their offensive plans to run the ball effectively. — Zack Rosenblatt
Chicago Bears
Bears trade 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, 2027 third-round pick, 2027 sixth-round pick to Cowboys for Parsons, 2027 fourth-round pick, 2027 seventh-round pick
This proposal is made with a touch of humor, particularly given the specifics of the offer, as the salary-cap situation is not perfectly aligned. However, the synergy is too compelling to ignore. The last time the Bears had a first-year head coach, a second-year quarterback, a veteran defense and coordinator, and a general manager fresh off a contract extension, they traded for Khalil Mack. That season marked their only division title since 2010! This offer mirrors the Mack trade, with the Bears receiving a fourth-round pick instead of a second. Why not replicate that success? Several factors come into play. They have already invested significantly in the defensive line (Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Grady Jarrett). They might benefit from exercising patience and allowing QB Caleb Williams to develop within the offense rather than sacrificing substantial draft capital to initiate the Ben Johnson era. However, if Johnson believes that Micah Parsons is the missing piece, then… — Kevin Fishbain
Romeo Doubs averaged 13.1 yards per reception last season in Green Bay. (Tork Mason / Imagn Images)
Green Bay Packers
Packers trade 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick and WR Romeo Doubs for Parsons
The Packers are not typically inclined to make such trades. General manager Brian Gutekunst might balk at the prospect of giving away his next two first-round picks and a reliable offensive weapon. However, this situation presents a unique set of circumstances, transcending draft capital, Doubs, and Parsons’ impending contract. Gutekunst is entering his eighth season as Packers GM without a Super Bowl appearance. New team president Ed Policy is not extending Gutekunst’s contract (yet), which has two years remaining, and does not want him in a contract year. This season could be pivotal for Gutekunst’s long-term future in the job, and what better way to impress his new boss than by acquiring a player who could potentially propel the Packers back to the NFL’s grandest stage?
Green Bay’s most vulnerable area could very well be its pass rush, which displayed inconsistency last season. Enter Parsons, a potential future Hall of Famer if he maintains his current trajectory, to rectify that issue. Parsons on one edge and Rashan Gary, freed from double teams, on the other? A tantalizing prospect, undoubtedly appealing to Gutekunst as well. Jerry Jones would undoubtedly appreciate an additional first-round pick in both 2026 and 2027, along with a dependable No. 3 receiver still under his rookie contract in the sure-handed Doubs, complementing CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. — Matt Schneidman
The Cowboys seem to value their current running back group more than external observers. Hall would represent an upgrade, but the team is not currently prioritizing the position. They have not made significant investments in free agency or utilized a Day 1 or Day 2 pick on a running back since Ezekiel Elliott in 2016. With Dante Fowler, Sam Williams, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Marshawn Kneeland, Dallas’ defensive end lineup might be the strongest position on its roster. Furthermore, it is unlikely that Parsons would be involved in a trade that does not yield at least two first-round picks in return for Dallas. Consequently, the Jets’ offer is deemed insufficient.
The Bears and Packers both present intriguing offers that include multiple first-round picks. The decision is a close one, but the Bears ultimately emerge as the preferred choice. Recent history suggests that Chicago’s picks are more likely to be higher in the draft order. Additionally, the Packers have been a recurring obstacle in the Cowboys’ playoff aspirations over the past 11 seasons. Would Jones genuinely consider trading a player of Parsons’ caliber to the franchise that has ended the seasons of several of his top teams in recent memory (2014, 2016, 2023)? While the inclusion of Doubs in the Packers’ offer is enticing, Dallas is reasonably well-positioned behind Lamb and Pickens with the combination of Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo, and potentially another player who distinguishes himself during the preseason. Jones would likely favor the Bears’ offer, possibly utilizing those future first-round picks to bolster the cornerback position and the defensive line.
In conclusion, while a Micah Parsons trade remains unlikely, the potential offers from the Jets, Bears, and Packers provide an intriguing glimpse into the value of an elite defensive talent. The Bears’ offer, with its multiple first-round picks and potential for higher draft positions, appears to be the most compelling package for the Cowboys. Ultimately, Jerry Jones’ decision would hinge on balancing the immediate loss of Parsons with the long-term benefits of acquiring valuable draft capital to address other roster needs.
The analysis underscores the delicate balance between retaining a star player and strategically leveraging their value to enhance the team’s overall competitiveness. As the Cowboys navigate Parsons’ contract situation, the hypothetical trade scenarios serve as a reminder of the high regard in which he is held across the league and the potential rewards that could accompany a difficult decision to part ways with a generational talent.
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