Micah Parsons is being traded to the Green Bay Packers, putting an end to the All-Pro’s contract dispute with the Dallas Cowboys, AP reported, citing sources.
In return, the Cowboys get DT Kenny Clark and two first-round picks.
Kenny Clark vs Micah Parsons
Kenny Clark (Packers DT): At 29, Clark is a three-time Pro Bowler with 34.5 sacks and 252 tackles since 2016. His 2024 stats (5 sacks, 49 tackles) showcase his dominance, but his $17.5 million cap hit in 2025 (with an out option post-2025) makes him a costly asset.
Micah Parsons (Cowboys EDGE): At 26, Parsons is a four-time Pro Bowler with 52.5 sacks and 256 tackles in four seasons, including a 14-sack 2024. His $24 million 2025 salary (with two franchise tag years possible) and projected $172 million extension reflect his elite status.
Depth chart impact
Cowboys Post-Trade:
Defensive Line: Clark slots in as a starter alongside Osa Odighizuwa, replacing Mazi Smith (2023 first-round pick, underperforming at 3 sacks). Depth includes rookie Marshawn Kneeland and Donovan Ezeiruaku, but Clark’s experience bolsters run defense (Dallas ranked 20th in 2024 rush yards allowed).
Edge Rush: Losing Parsons leaves a void, with DeMarcus Lawrence (aging, 6 sacks in 2024) and Kneeland as starters. This weakens a pass rush that led the NFL with 53 sacks in 2024, dropping depth to a potential liability.
Packers Post-Trade:
Edge Rush: Parsons pairs with Rashan Gary (7 sacks in 2024), creating a top-tier duo. Lukas Van Ness (3 sacks) moves to a rotational role, enhancing a pass rush that struggled (35.3% pressure rate, 13th in 2024) and boosting Super Bowl odds.
Defensive Line: Losing Clark leaves Devonte Wyatt (4 sacks) as the starter, with TJ Slaton and Colby Wooden as depth.
Who won the trade?
Cowboys’ Perspective: Clark addresses a pressing need, but losing Parsons, a generational talent, cripples their pass rush, especially with Lawrence’s decline.
Packers’ Perspective: Parsons transforms their defense into a playoff juggernaut, outweighing Clark’s run-stuffing loss. The draft cost stings, but his 2024 impact (14 sacks) and youth give Green Bay a clear edge.