It’s the type of trade that doesn’t just shake the foundations of the NFL, but all of professional sports.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Dallas Cowboys have traded NFL All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in a deal that will immediately go down as one of the biggest trades in NFL history.
ESPN Sources: Cowboys are trading three-time All-Pro LB Micah Packers to the Green Bay Packers,” Schefter wrote on his official X account on August 28. Parsons and the Packers already have reached agreement on a four-year, $188 million contract. David Mulugheta of Athletes First had a hand in the trade and ultimately negotiating the record-breaking contract that includes $120 million fully guaranteed at signing and makes Parsons the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history.
According to The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the price for the Packers was defensive tackle Kenny Clark along with 2 first round picks.
Parsons, 26 years old, was the No. 12 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft and is a 3-time NFL All-Pro and 4-time Pro Bowler through the first 4 seasons.
“Thank you Dallas ….. GO Pack Go!” Parsons wrote on his official X account following the trade.
Parsons officially requested a trade on August 1, announcing his decision via social media.
“I have made a tough decision,” Parsons wrote. “I no longer want to play for the Dallas Cowboys. My trade request has been submitted to Stephen Jones personally.”
Social Media Melts Down Over Trade
Parsons is the second generational talent to leave a professional sports team in Dallas in the last year — Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.
Parsons has 52.5 sacks over his first 4 seasons, which puts him on track to finish his career among the Top 10 NFL career sacks leaders.
The Cowboys host the Packers on Sunday Night Football in Week 4.
“NO ONE IN DALLAS IS OK,” The Ringer NFL Show wrote on its official X account. First Luka, now Micah Parsons.
“8 months ago the safest jerseys to buy in Dallas was Luka Doncic & Micah Parsons,” Locked on Mavs podcaster Isaac Harris wrote on his official X account. “What a wild 2025 for Dallas sports fans and there’s four months left.”
“On the bright side, Cowboys fans, now you can use those two LATE first round picks on guys that won’t be close to as good as Micah Parsons,” Former NFL player Ross Tucker wrote on his official X account.
Trade Reminiscent of Blockbuster 1989 Deal
The Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones were also behind perhaps the previous most famous trade in NFL history — and the largest trade in NFL history — when the Cowboys sent running back Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings in October 1989.
It was a trade that eventually encompassed 18 players and 3 teams when the San Diego Chargers were added to the mix.
It also brought the Cowboys a trio of players who would be foundational to winning 3 Super Bowls in the 1990s with running back and eventual NFL career leading rusher Emmitt Smith, defensive back Darren Woodson and defensive tackle Russell Maryland.
Cowboys Trade Micah Parsons to NFC Rival For Huge Haul