The Dallas Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
Parsons signed a four-year, $188 million extension with the Packers, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
The trade follows a contentious contract dispute between Parsons and the Cowboys, including a failed negotiation attempt by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones that bypassed Parsons’ agent.
Micah Parsons wanted a new contract from the Dallas Cowboys. On Thursday, the Cowboys decided he would have to settle for a new city.
The Cowboys have traded Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, a source confirmed to USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon. The Cowboys are receiving two first-round picks as part of the return.
Parsons also agreed to a four-year, $188 million extension deal with Green Bay, including $136 million guaranteed, making him the new highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
A relationship that began with such promise ends on a sour note for the Cowboys’ first round pick in 2021. Drafted 12th overall, Parsons became a fixture in the Dallas defense – rising to stardom almost instantly as the Defensive Rookie of the Year and All-Pro.
It all began to fall apart this offseason, however, as Parsons sought a new contract from the Cowboys. Both sides dug their heels in, with more than a few bizarre twists and turns along the way.
The Cowboys are no stranger to contract disputes with their stars, but have traditionally resolved them – as evidenced by the Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb extensions in 2024.
Jerry Jones tried to end the stalemate, negotiating a deal with Parsons by cutting out his agent, David Mulugheta. The deal was never finalized and Jones blasted Mulugheta during an appearance on Michael Irvin’s YouTube channel for holding up the agreement.
Jones previously noted that he had no plans to trade Parsons and pointed out that the Cowboys can retain him for three more seasons – thanks to one year left on his current contract and two franchise tags.
Plans changed quickly and Parsons is set to suit up for a new team in 2025 and beyond. Here’s a look at what it took for the Cowboys to trade their superstar on the edge.
Micah Parsons trade details
Packers receive:
Micah Parsons + four-year, $188 million extension ($136 million guaranteed)
Cowboys receive:
2026 first-round pick
2027 first-round pick
DT Kenny Clark
Micah Parsons stats
Parsons has been a superstar ever since he stepped onto the field for the Cowboys. He’s registered at least 12 sacks in all four seasons, totaling 52.5 in 63 games.
The 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Parsons has been stacking awards and accolades over the years. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler, a two-time All-Pro and was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021.
With 256 total tackles and 112 quarterback hits, Parsons has been a one-man wrecking crew for the Dallas defense. Now he’s set to cash in on all that work to this point.