In the heart of Ohio, the Cincinnati Bengals are perched at a pivotal crossroads, and there’s a compelling case to be made for them to seriously consider a blockbuster trade for pass-rushing sensation Micah Parsons. Sure, it might seem audacious to envision such a move, but sometimes the boldest decisions are what elevate a franchise from potential to powerhouse.
Micah Parsons has made no secret of his admiration for Joe Burrow and the Bengals on his podcast, indicating that a union between the two could be mutually beneficial. Cincinnati finds itself in need of that high-octane pass rusher to complement Trey Hendrickson, and Parsons fits that bill like a glove. His ability to rush from various spots along the line while also dropping back into coverage adds a level of dynamism that’s been somewhat missing from the Bengals’ recent defensive schemes, which have leaned more towards traditional, bigger-bodied edge defenders like Sam Hubbard.
While Parsons has faced some scrutiny regarding his conditioning and occasional absence from the field, the Bengals can leverage their existing depth to minimize his need to play every down. With talents like Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy in the fold, Parsons can focus on what he does best—decimating opposing quarterbacks while sharing the workload in run-stopping situations.
Now, let’s talk trade specifics. Historically, top-tier edge rushers like Khalil Mack have commanded hefty returns. When the Chicago Bears traded Mack, it cost them two first-round picks, a third, and a sixth, while Jared Allen fetched a first and two thirds in his move to the Vikings. If the Bengals are to make a competitive play for Parsons, they’d likely need to package their 2023 first and third-round picks, along with a second or fourth in the 2026 draft to make such a move feasible.
It’s vital to consider what the Bengals would be parting with. The allure of a 2025 first-round pick can be enticing; however, it’s important to recognize that this pick may fall in the middle of the round. Chances are, the player selected there might not have the immediate impact of an established star like Parsons.
On the flip side, the Dallas Cowboys would face a tough decision. While they should prioritize extending Parsons, the allure of accumulating solid value for him can’t be overlooked. With the draft capital gained, the Cowboys could snatch up a promising edge rusher while also safeguarding their salary cap for future investments.
So, while the waters may feel murky when discussing the feasibility of a trade for Parsons, the stakes are high for the Bengals. With Joe Burrow at the helm and a team gearing up for a serious Super Bowl push, it might just be time for Cincinnati’s front office to take the plunge. Turning dreams into reality on the trade market can sometimes be the difference between stumbling toward the playoffs and making a deep run—all they need is the courage to act.
