The Dallas Cowboys have traded four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in a blockbuster deal. In return, the Cowboys receive three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark along with two first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027. Parsons, 26, signed a historic four-year, $188 million contract with Green Bay, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
Historic Contract and Statement
Parsons’ new deal includes $120 million fully guaranteed at signing and $136 million in total guarantees. Following the announcement, Parsons shared an emotional message on social media, stating he never wanted his time in Dallas to end but emphasized that not all factors were under his control. He will return to face his former team in Week 4, when the Packers visit Dallas for “Sunday Night Football.”
Cowboys’ Perspective
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones explained that the decision was made to strengthen Dallas’ defense and prepare for playoff success. He compared the move to the franchise-altering Herschel Walker trade of 1989, which helped build the roster that won three Super Bowls in the 1990s. Despite Jones previously vowing not to trade Parsons, the package of Clark and two first-round picks proved too valuable to decline.
Packers’ Outlook
For Green Bay, Parsons fills a major need on defense. The Packers have lacked a double-digit sack leader since Za’Darius Smith’s 12.5-sack season in 2020. Parsons, who has never recorded fewer than 12 sacks in a season, brings an elite pass-rushing presence. His 52.5 sacks over four years place him among the most dominant young defenders in NFL history, alongside Hall of Famer Reggie White. General manager Brian Gutekunst, while typically cautious about “one-player fixes,” is betting Parsons can transform the team’s defensive front.
Kenny Clark’s Role in Dallas
Kenny Clark, 29, heads to Dallas after nine seasons with the Packers. Though he had a down year in 2024 with just one sack, he revealed he played through a painful toe injury that required offseason surgery. Clark has 35 career sacks and will bring veteran presence to the Cowboys’ interior line. His contract carries significant future salaries, though none are guaranteed beyond 2025.
Conclusion
The Parsons trade marks a seismic shift for both franchises. The Cowboys lose one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers but gain valuable draft capital and a proven defensive tackle. The Packers secure a generational talent to anchor their defense and pursue championship contention. As one of the most impactful trades in recent memory, the move reshapes the immediate future of both teams and the league’s defensive landscape.