Cowboys trade Parsons to Packers in blockbuster deal; pass-rusher signs record $188m extension

One week after Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones dismissed trade rumors around his All-Pro pass-rusher as “pure B.S.,” the franchise sent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in a blockbuster move.

The Packers landed Parsons in exchange for three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark along with first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027. Green Bay immediately secured their new defensive star with a four-year, $188 million extension, including $136 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.

The contract makes Parsons the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at $47 million per season, surpassing the deal T.J. Watt signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Parsons, who had requested a trade on Aug. 1, confirmed the move on social media with the message: “Thank you Dallas … GO Pack Go!”

At a press conference, Jones acknowledged the difficult decision and reflected on his approach to player relationships. “People evolve,” he said. “I’ve had more grace than any person I know of. This is significant, the financial consideration. The issue here was starting over after I had dug deep (to negotiate a deal).”

Signs of tension had been building throughout the offseason. Parsons skipped training camp, removed Cowboys references from his social media, and publicly claimed Jones mishandled negotiations with his agent David Mulugheta. Jones, who prefers to negotiate directly with players, insisted that he and Parsons had agreed to contract parameters earlier in the spring.

Before the trade, Parsons was due to play the 2025 season under the $21.34 million fifth-year option of his rookie deal. Across four seasons in Dallas, he recorded 52.5 sacks in 63 games and never finished a year with fewer than 12.

Parsons will face his former team in Week 4, when Green Bay visits Dallas for Sunday Night Football.

The Packers also bid farewell to Clark, who spent nine seasons in Green Bay with 126 starts in 140 games. General manager Brian Gutekunst praised his impact on and off the field. “From the time he arrived in 2016, Kenny established himself as one of the top defensive tackles in the league and in the history of this franchise … Kenny will be greatly missed, and we wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future.”

With Parsons joining a formidable front seven, Green Bay strengthens its defense as it pushes to dethrone the Detroit Lions in the NFC North.

SportsLigue