In a blockbuster trade that reshapes the NFC landscape, the Green Bay Packers have acquired star pass-rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys and signed him to a historic contract extension.
The deal sends two first-round picks and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark to Dallas. In return, Green Bay secured Parsons with a four-year, $188 million extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The contract includes a record $120 million fully guaranteed at signing and $136 million in total guarantees.
The trade followed a tense period for Parsons, who had been sitting out of Cowboys practices during a training camp “hold-in” due to reported back tightness. With the regular season looming, Parsons admitted he was growing anxious and had urged his agent to finalize a deal.
“I told him that day, I was like, ‘Man, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I need you to get something done soon,'” Parsons said. “I did not want to be in a position where I was missing opportunities.”
Parsons flew to Green Bay on Friday, passed his physical, and officially signed his contract. He dismissed any lingering concerns about his back, stating he feels “great” and will coordinate with the team’s doctors on a plan to prepare for the season. He fully expects to play in the September 7 opener against the Detroit Lions.
“They didn’t give up what they gave up for me to sit on the sidelines,” Parsons remarked.
Having learned of the trade from his agent rather than Cowboys ownership, Parsons expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Packers. He will wear jersey number 1, a number last worn for the franchise by Curly Lambeau from 1925-26.
“Y’all don’t understand how excited I am to be here,” Parsons said during a news conference. He also paid respect to the player he is replacing, saying, “I understand what Kenny meant to this organization. I’m never going to try to replace him. I just want to try to sustain the standard that he left here.”
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst, who had not traded a first-round pick for a veteran since acquiring Brett Favre in 1992, admitted the deal felt like a long shot for most of the negotiation process. “I don’t think it was really until the last few days that I actually thought, ‘Hey, there’s an opportunity here to close this thing out,'” he said.
The acquisition has significantly boosted Green Bay’s championship odds. According to ESPN BET, the Packers’ Super Bowl chances improved from +2000 to +1400 immediately following the trade. While the move heightens expectations, coach Matt LaFleur maintained that the team’s approach remains unchanged.
“I feel like that’s always the expectation around here,” LaFleur said. “You just approach it no different than we have in the past. Trying to be your best each and every day.”
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