The football world is still reeling after yet another public Jerry Jones soap opera ended with Micah Parsons leaving Dallas in what's undoubtedly been the defining storyline of the preseason. The Cowboys shipped their All-Pro pass rusher to Green Bay for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark, a move that left fans fuming even as the front office framed it as a reset for the future and a chance to regain financial flexibility.
Parsons wasted no time turning the page. Within hours of the deal, the three-time All-Pro agreed to a four-year, $188 million contract, cementing his place as the centerpiece of Green Bay’s championship push while also making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Since entering the league in 2021, he has been one of the NFL’s most disruptive defenders, and the Packers are betting heavily that his presence can close the gap between playoff potential and a Lombardi Trophy.
That same confidence is shared by James Franklin, who coached Parsons at Penn State and briefly served on Green Bay’s staff in 2005. Franklin described the move as a natural fit, pointing to his former player’s relentless competitiveness and proven production.
“He’s a dynamic player, [the Cowboys] drafted him for a reason and now obviously the Packers made a trade for him for a reason,” Franklin said, via Shanna McCarriston of CBS Sports. “He’s been one of the most disruptive players since he stepped into the NFL and we expect that to continue. One of the best competitors I’ve ever been around and I’m just happy for his family.”
Franklin also drew parallels between Green Bay and Happy Valley, pointing to the similarities between the Packers’ small-town setting and the community-driven environment of State College. “It’s a lot like Happy Valley, very much a college-like town and I think he’s gonna thrive there,” Franklin added.
The numbers back up that optimism. Parsons has recorded at least 12 sacks in each of his four seasons, joining Hall of Famer Reggie White as the only players in league history to open their careers with such consistency. His 52.5 sacks already rank among the top five through a player’s first four seasons, while his 18 multi-sack games trail only White in that span.
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Parsons addressed the trade in his introductory press conference, admitting he “never thought” he would be moved but was excited to embrace the opportunity in Green Bay. He thanked Cowboys fans for their support, acknowledged he would miss former teammates, and added, “I’m ready to win some games” as he looked ahead to his new role with the Packers.
The Packers will unveil their newest defensive weapon on September 7 against the Detroit Lions, where Parsons will be expected to prove that he's worth one of the biggest swings in franchise history.