The Dallas Cowboys are staring down a franchise-altering decision: Can they afford to keep Micah Parsons? On paper, this sounds ridiculous—Parsons is arguably the most dominant defensive player in football, a game-wrecker who has been the heart and soul of the Cowboys’ defense since his rookie season. But in the NFL, money talks, and Dallas might be forced to make a brutal business decision.
Why Trading Parsons Isn’t as Far-Fetched as It Sounds
Parsons has been nothing short of elite. 52.5 sacks in four seasons, multiple All-Pro nods, and a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber impact every single week. He’s the kind of talent you build a defense around, not trade away. But here’s the problem—the Cowboys might not have a choice.
Dallas has already handed out massive contracts to its core players—Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Trevon Diggs all command top-tier salaries. Now, Parsons is set to become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history when he signs his next deal. With limited cap space, Jerry Jones has to ask: Can we afford to keep everyone?
What Could Dallas Get for Parsons?
If Parsons hits the trade market, it’s an all-out bidding war. Teams would line up to give Dallas multiple first-round picks and possibly even star players in return. The Cowboys could rebuild their roster overnight, adding young, cost-controlled talent while freeing up cap space.
Potential Landing Spots
- Baltimore Ravens – A dominant defense gets even scarier. Parsons and Roquan Smith? Terrifying.
- Seattle Seahawks – Pete Carroll loves elite defensive talent, and Parsons would redefine their front seven.
- Chicago Bears – If Chicago wants to go all-in on defense, Parsons could be the franchise-changing piece.
Final Thoughts
Trading Parsons would be one of the boldest moves in Cowboys history, and it wouldn’t be popular. But if Jerry Jones decides he can’t pay everyone, dealing Parsons might be the only way to keep Dallas competitive in the long run. Will they pull the trigger? That’s the billion-dollar question.
