Micah Parsons is the big topic of conversation for two NFL fan bases. The Dallas Cowboys are at an impasse with the edge defender’s contract situation and overall future. As a consequence, the Green Bay Packers have been frequently mentioned as a potential destination if Jerry Jones decides to actually move on from the elite edge defender.

UPDATE: The Packers acquired Micah Parsons.

Our beat writers Mauricio Rodriguez (Cowboys) and Wendell Ferreira (Packers) bring the perspective from both sides and attack A to Z Sports’ assistant editor Destin Adams‘ biggest questions about the entire situation.

Who is the most at fault for the relationship between Parsons and the Cowboys getting to this almost nuclear point?

There’s no doubt everyone is partly guilty here. But I would say the Cowboys and Jerry Jones are the “most” at fault. Simply put, the owner’s admission to attempting to leave Parsons’ agent out of the equation is difficult to ignore. I don’t think Jones can get into a lot of trouble with such an approach—fines per the CBA would be close to nothing—but it’s just not right. Jones tries to justify his approach by noting agents are not a big part of a team-player relationship. However, it’s nearly impossible for me not to believe it’s nothing but an attempt to win the negotiation against someone much less experienced than him in negotiating.

Not to mention, the Cowboys consistently let negotiations with star players in unnecessary ways. This has gotten uglier and it is different than previous contract dramas but they could’ve taken care of Parsons’ deal last year. — Mauricio Rodriguez.

Why would the Packers be willing to make such an arguably out-of-character aggressive move to trade for Micah Parsons and make him the highest paid non-QB in the league?

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has already said that he is aware of the challenges of trading high picks for a veteran, because you spend draft capital and cap space. However, he is willing to do it for a real long-term difference-maker, and Parsons fits that profile. Since Parsons entered the league, he’s been one of the most efficient pass rushers, he’s only 26, and the Packers would certainly benefit from having a truly elite player at the position. By doing that, Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness would have more space and time to develop, creating what could be the best edge rush group in football. That’s the smartest way to take advantage of what defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has to offer, and at the same time, protect a weaker cornerback group. — Wendell Ferreira.

Will a new market-setting contract offer be enough to fix the obvious fracture that has occurred between Micah Parsons and Jerry Jones?

Yes and no. The numbers being right on that offer sheet would get these parties near the finish line. We’ve seen this time and time again in the NFL. Trade requests are more often than not a tactic to apply pressure. So I do believe the right contract offer would mend the wounds of this relationship. However, this feels like it’s about more than the money. The Cowboys will have to be willing to admit there wasn’t an agreement in March because: 1) nothing is on paper; and 2) Parsons’ agent David Mulugheta wasn’t involved. This isn’t just about the money, but the relationship. But to fix the latter, the money has to be right. — Mauricio Rodriguez.

Are the Packers “Micah Parsons away” from contending for a Super Bowl?

The Packers already have enough good players to contend if Jordan Love plays at the level we expect him to. The idea of a team being one player away might be ludicrous, but if there is a non-quarterback position to be that, it’s edge defender. This is a top-heavy, strong-link position, and an elite pass rusher has the real ability to transform a defense and positively impact everyone else.

Everybody knows the Packers have a good roster, a playoff-caliber team, and the main question is if they have enough blue-chip players to make a Super Bowl run. Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney certainly qualify, Jordan Love, Zach Tom, and Edgerrin Cooper might get there. Nevertheless, an established elite player from a premium position has the potential to elevate the team’s chances. In the playoffs, a bounce of the ball could change destinies, but Parsons is the type of player who can elevate the margin for error and reduce the need for luck. — Wendell Ferreira.

How do you think this awkward love triangle between Parsons, the Cowboys, and the Packers ultimately ends?

Had you asked me this a month ago, I would’ve said no questions asked they’d reach a long-term extension before the NFL Kickoff between the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. At this point, however, some doubt has creeped into my mind because this is a different dynamic than the one we saw with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. And yet, if I had to guess, I still believe it will happen. It makes sense for every party involved. But even if a deal isn’t struck, I expect Parsons to wear a Star on his helmet. It makes absolutely no sense for the Cowboys to deal their superstar eight months away from the NFL Draft, let alone to a team like the Green Bay Packers, who are unlikely to have premium draft positioning. It’s just not going to happen. If there’s not a contract extension taken care of, the Cowboys will try it all again next year when they can franchise tag Parsons and buy themselves some time. — Mauricio Rodriguez.

If the Cowboys decide to trade Micah Parsons, I’d expect the Packers to be all over it to potentially pull off the trade. Especially after losing Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears all those years ago. However, I ultimately doubt that the Cowboys will surrender. Jerry Jones has a big track record of taking deals to the last minute, and while there might be more bad blood than usual, money has the power to solve everything. For Parsons, it’s probably better to live in Dallas anyway, and by the end he will probably make more money with the Cowboys. For the Packers, it’s a unique opportunity. They won’t make a similar offer for another player to justify their attempts. If Parsons to Green Bay doesn’t happen, the Packers will follow their usual flow and try to develop what they already have on the roster. — Wendell Ferreira.

Green Bay Packers News

‘You have to look at everything’ — Packers GM doesn’t shy away from trade rumors linking Micah Parsons to Green Bay

Brian Gutekunst talked about the process of potentially acquiring elite players.

Wendell Ferreira