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Packers stun the NFL with BLOCKBUSTER Parsons trade

Thirty-two years ago, the Green Bay Packers made a monster move to sign star defensive end Reggie White in free agency from the Philadelphia Eagles. More than three decades later, the Packers again are acquiring an elite edge defender from the NFC East while trying to capture another Super Bowl title. After weeks of speculation, it’s finally real, and Green Bay has acquired Micah Parsons in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Cowboys.

The Packers are trading two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark to Dallas for Parsons. In addition to the package, Green Bay is giving Parsons a four-year, $188 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

“First of all, I can’t talk about any players on any of the other teams, but I think every opportunity that’s out there that we think could help the Packers, we’re going to take a long look at,” Packers GM Brian Gutekunst had said before the trade. “If that opportunity makes sense to us, then we’ll do it, and if it doesn’t, we won’t.”

Compensation and production

It’s undeniable that the Packers are making a huge bet. Parting ways with so much draft capital and salary cap space for one player is huge, but the front office sees how much of a difference-maker Parsons can be.

Micah plays a premium position and brings a level of versatility that defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley would love. He’s only 26 years old, which means the Packers will get the prime years of his NFL production.

“Every decision affects your football team. Obviously, there are so many different factors in it,” Gutekunst added. “Who the player is, medical, cap-wise. But yeah, I think you have to look at everything. Any opportunity to help your football team, you have to look at and discuss as a group. We do that all the time, almost daily.”

What Parsons has done so far in the league is truly impressive. He’s had at least 12 sacks in each of his four seasons, including his rookie year, when he played mostly as an off-ball linebacker. Last season, he had 12 sacks in 13 games.

It’s not just sack production either. If you evaluate more advanced stats, the numbers are even more impressive. Throughout his first four NFL seasons, Parsons had 330 pressures — Rashan Gary has had 280 in six seasons. Since 2021, not even Myles Garrett (320), Trey Hendrickson (299), and T.J. Watt (232) have had as many pressures.

The big move is finally done. And Micah Parsons is a Packer.

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More on the Parsons trade:

• Packers were one step ahead with development moments before the trade. Read more…
• Dallas tried calling Parsons’ bluff ahead of the trade. Read more…
• What the Parsons’ trade rumors actually meant after the blockbuster deal. Read more…

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