Micah Parsons Heads to Green Bay in Blockbuster Trade, Shaking Up NFC Divisions

August 28, 2025 - Green Bay, WI In a major late-August move on the eve of the 2025 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys have traded star edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. The deal sends Parsons to Wisconsin in exchange for two first-round draft picks and veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark.

Parsons, 26, had been holding out of Cowboys training camp amid contract disagreements. Upon his arrival in Green Bay, he is set to sign a four-year, $188 million deal-$136 million of which is guaranteed-making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

The trade instantly reshapes two key divisions:

• NFC East: Without Parsons patrolling the edge, the Eagles, Giants and Commanders all see a significant reduction in pass-rush threat twice a year. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones framed the deal as a long-term gamble to maintain salary flexibility.
• NFC North: Green Bay upgrades its defense to perennial contender status. Parsons joins Rashan Gary to form one of the league’s most formidable pass-rush duos, immediately boosting the Packers’ Super Bowl odds.

Cowboys fans reacted with dismay, lamenting the loss of a defensive cornerstone just days before kickoff. Meanwhile, Packers supporters celebrated a move reminiscent of the Reggie White acquisition in 1993, betting that Parsons’ prime years will help finally deliver Lombardi Trophy No. 5 to Lambeau Field.

The first matchup between Parsons and his former teammates comes in Week 4, when Green Bay hosts Dallas at Lambeau-a game now circled on every NFL fan’s calendar.