After being in a contract dispute with the Dallas Cowboys for months, EDGE Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers yesterday. On Friday, The Athletic‘s Jon Machota revealed a behind-the-scenes look at how Parsons’ teammates are handling the shocking move. “After yesterday’s trade, Micah Parsons texted the Cowboys DL group chat that he […]
After being in a contract dispute with the Dallas Cowboys for months, EDGE Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers yesterday. On Friday, The Athletic‘s Jon Machota revealed a behind-the-scenes look at how Parsons’ teammates are handling the shocking move.
“After yesterday’s trade, Micah Parsons texted the Cowboys DL group chat that he loved them and ‘sorry it had to happen like that,’ Dallas DE Marshawn Kneeland said,” Machota reported on X. “Cowboys rookie DE Donovan Ezeiruaku: ‘We had a phone call last night. He said, ‘I’m still here for you.'”
In exchange for Parsons, the Cowboys received defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round draft picks (2026 and 2027). Parsons agreed to a four-year, $188 million contract with the Packers. The contract includes $120 million fully guaranteed at signing and $136 million in total guarantees.
With the deal, Parsons is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Steelers linebacker TJ Watt previously owned that title, earning $41 million per year.
Parsons’ and the Cowboys’ contract negotiations were at a standstill after the three-time All-Pro met with Dallas owner Jerry Jones in March and verbally agreed to a deal. However, when Parsons wanted his agent to be involved in his official, written contract, Jones reportedly grew upset.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jones had offered Parsons a five-year deal worth $40.5 million annually when the pair met in March. After news broke of Parsons’ trade on Thursday, the former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year released a heartfelt statement online.
“I never wanted this chapter to end, but not everything was in my control. My heart has always been here, and it still is,” Parsons wrote. “Through it all, I never made any demands. I never asked for anything more than fairness. I only asked that the person I trust to negotiate my contract be part of the process.
“… North Texas will continue to be my home in the offseason. I’ll still be here, giving back to the community that gave me so much. And no matter where the next chapter takes me, the bond we’ve built will never break. Thank you, Cowboys Nation, for every cheer, every moment, and every ounce of love you showed me. Wearing the star has been the honor of my life.”
Micah Parsons is only the second player in NFL history to record 12 sacks in each of his four seasons in the league. The former Penn State standout tallied 43 tackles, 12 sacks and two forced fumbles last season despite missing four games due to injury.
On Sept. 7, the Packers will square off against the Detroit Lions in their season opener at 4:25 p.m. ET. The game will air live on CBS.
Category: Football
