The Dallas Cowboys reportedly moved Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, a decision that has caused significant surprise within the NFL. It concludes a challenging period between Parsons and the Cowboys after the four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher allegedly asked to be traded on Aug. 1 when discussions about his contract with team owner and general manager Jerry Jones reached a standstill.
Even with Parsons’ reported trade request, it was believed that a resolution could still be reached to keep him with the Cowboys for the long haul. Therefore, the current situation is somewhat unexpected considering his status as a top defensive player and a key component of the Cowboys organization. However, it bears resemblance to a choice made by another Dallas sports team earlier in the year. There are notable parallels between the two scenarios.
The situation referenced is the Dallas Mavericks’ trading of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 2, a move that was widely criticized and remains a topic of discussion six months later. Unlike Parsons, Dončić reportedly never requested a trade, and he had hopes of playing his entire career in Dallas. Parsons also felt similarly at one time, having stated on his podcast in December 2024, “Everyone knows I’m going to be a Cowboy for life.”
Now, within a six-month period, two Dallas sports franchises have parted ways with their star players — in exchange for what some consider to be relatively disappointing compensation — leading to more disappointment for their supporters. Adding to the unusual nature of these events, both Parsons and Dončić are the same age (26) and have been moved to well-established franchises with the potential to compete for championships in the future.
A look at the (unnamed) NFL response to Cowboys trading Micah Parsons: ‘This could be the worst trade ever!’
Matt Zenitz
The perceived lack of substantial returns in both instances may evoke a sense of familiarity. While the Mavericks acquired an All-Star caliber player in Anthony Davis, the Cowboys reportedly secured two first-round draft picks and a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive tackle in Kenny Clark. However, had these two teams not allegedly acted so quickly and unexpectedly in trading their star players, they might have been able to obtain more favorable compensation. Given the already strained nature of the contract negotiations, the Cowboys could have explored trading Parsons months prior, potentially sparking a competitive market among numerous teams, instead of finalizing a deal just days before the NFL season was scheduled to begin. The same could be said of the Mavericks, who reportedly sent Dončić away discreetly, without other teams being aware of his availability. Both situations apparently unfolded rapidly and out of the blue, prompting bewilderment from many.
There might be a common factor in Dallas, given that Jones and Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison reportedly executed similar trades within the same year. The decision to trade Parsons potentially falls into the same category as the Dončić trade: an action that should not have occurred. Sending a 26-year-old star player, who is just entering the peak of his career, to a team that defeated you in the playoffs not long ago, might be considered unacceptable.
Although Parsons’ achievements may not be as extensive as Dončić’s, he is undeniably one of the premier players not only on defense, but throughout the entire NFL. He was ranked No. 10 in CBS Sports’ Top 100 NFL player ranking, and one could argue that he deserved an even higher spot due to his significant impact on defense. Furthermore, alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb jerseys, Parsons’ jersey is likely among the most frequently worn by fans.
At the start of the year, Dončić and Parsons jerseys were likely seen as the safest purchases for Dallas sports fans, given the unlikelihood of either player being traded. However, with the Cowboys preparing to face the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, those fans must now come to terms with the unexpected trading of another well-known Dallas sports figure.
If these two trades continue to unfold in a similar manner, it’s possible that the Cowboys might also be fortunate enough to acquire the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, providing them with the chance to secure another generational talent. However, it’s best not to anticipate that outcome, but if Arch Manning were to declare for the draft and the Cowboys were to obtain the No. 1 pick, it would certainly create significant excitement in the sports world once again.
