National Football League: What Would Trading for Cowboys Star Micah Parsons Cost and Who Might Pay It?
Updated Aug. 5, 2025, 10:28 a.m. ET
Ralph Vacchiano, NFL Reporter
Micah Parsons isn’t keen on being traded, and the Dallas Cowboys are equally reluctant to move him. This situation suggests a strong likelihood that this contract drama will conclude with the All-Pro linebacker signing a long-term deal to stay in Dallas, potentially making him the highest-paid defensive player in the league. However, if negotiations fall through and the Cowboys opt for the dramatic step of trading him, the return could be franchise-altering.
“You’re talking about the best, most consistent defensive player in the game,” said an NFC personnel executive. “And it’s possible he hasn’t reached his ceiling yet, particularly as a pass rusher. That’s gotta be worth at least a couple of first-round picks. Maybe even more.”
Currently, Micah Parsons is at Cowboys camp participating in some drills, yet he has publicly expressed his desire to be traded, stating on social media, “I no longer want to be here.”
But what could the Cowboys expect if they truly put the 26-year-old Parsons on the trading block? Several NFL sources point to the 2018 Khalil Mack trade as a relevant comparison. At that time, Mack was 27 and was recognized as one of the best defensive players in football. The Bears traded two first-round picks, a third-round pick, and a sixth-rounder to the Raiders for Mack, along with a second-round pick and a fifth. Furthermore, Chicago had to pay him, awarding Mack a then-record six-year, $141 million contract.
“That’s the obvious starting point,” the executive mentioned. “But Jerry [Jones] isn’t foolish. He wants Parsons. He knows he’ll need to pay him eventually. And he’s aware Parsons is under contract for another two years. So, he won’t settle for just two first-round picks; he’ll probably ask for three.”
At this stage, it remains speculative, but it’s clear that acquiring Parsons would come at a staggering cost. Although every team in the NFL would want him, not all will be willing to meet the hefty price, particularly since the acquiring team would have to negotiate a contract with Parsons worth $40-45 million per year.
So, which teams might see the value in Parsons? Below are seven teams that may consider making a move:
Buffalo Bills
Pulling off this trade would require some serious finesse with their salary cap, and the cost might be steeper than for most teams. The Bills are a Super Bowl contender, even without Parsons, leading to generally lower draft picks which means the Cowboys would likely demand more. This scenario could force the Bills to sacrifice a considerable part of their future. However, for them, it might be worth the effort. They are genuine contenders aiming for their first Super Bowl in 33 years, but their defense and pass rush have been average. To surpass powerful teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC, they need to bolster their defense, which Parsons would drastically improve. Although they added Joey Bosa during the offseason, they need more, and Parsons could be that key player.
Baltimore Ravens
While not as desperate as the Bills, the Ravens are in a similar situation, attempting to construct a defense that can contain the Chiefs during critical moments. Last season, the Ravens boasted a top-10 defense and the second-best pass rush but still struggled to get the job done. They have plenty of offensive weapons, but they require a defense capable of making crucial stops in playoff scenarios. Introducing Parsons to a pass rush that already includes Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh could transform their defensive capabilities. Furthermore, they have the salary cap space to make this work and a solid roster to possibly sweeten the deal.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh’s leadership turned the Chargers into contenders in his first year, but they still face hurdles on their path. Their playoff exit was partially due to their inability to pressure Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud. Even though their defense was strong throughout the year, they lacked a player with double-digit sacks rain or shine vs tnt katropa. Parsons would be the kind of formidable pass rusher they used to have with a healthy Joey Bosa, albeit Parsons is more reliable and well-rounded. Having players like him is vital in a conference filled with offensive powerhouses.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are aiming for a quick turnaround with Geno Smith at quarterback and Pete Carroll as coach cgebet com registration. With a 75-year-old head coach and a starting QB closing in on 35, this isn’t a long-term rebuilding effort; they seek a rapid ascent in the standings. Pairing Parsons with Maxx Crosby could result in one of the most lethal pass rushes in the league, combining their quarterback pressures from the last four seasons. While Parsons alone won’t instantly make them a Super Bowl contender, he would strengthen their defense overnight. With approximately $38 million in cap space this year and over $100 million in 2026, the Raiders can afford Parsons while still retaining enough to bolster their roster further.
New York Jets
The Jets already have two high-priced defensive stars with Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner. They have the margin in their cap space over the next few years to accommodate another star in the middle. Strengthening a pass rush that ranked 11th overall last season with 43 sacks is crucial for them. It’s evident that the defense, which ranked third overall, had deficiencies that need addressing. Despite their efforts in acquiring Haason Reddick last season not panning out, the Jets won’t risk having Parsons turn out to be a similar bust, especially under a defensive-minded coach like Aaron Glenn. They might also be able to offer the Cowboys Breece Hall, a promising and explosive young running back who was available during the offseason, potentially allowing them to give up fewer high draft picks.
Chicago Bears
Ultimately, the Bears’ deal for Mack transformed them into a defensive powerhouse, leading to two playoff appearances in Mack’s first three seasons pinoy tete piso challenge. In a year that seems promising for them, why not take a risk on another significant acquisition like Parsons? GM Ryan Poles has had an outstanding offseason, reconstructing the offensive line for young quarterback Caleb Williams. However, the defense, ranked 27th, still needs reinforcements. Although they’ve added defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, they lack a game-changer. Given the competitiveness of their division, securing Parsons could make a difference.
Washington Commanders
A potential trade to Washington would see Parsons reunite with Dan Quinn, his former defensive coordinator. It’s unlikely that Jerry Jones would trade a player like Parsons within the division, making this more of a dream scenario. However, the Commanders have the cap space to manage such a deal and boast an aggressive GM in Adam Peters. Moreover, their head coach, Dan Quinn, understands Parsons’ value intimately. The intriguing aspect is the possibility of including unhappy receiver Terry McLaurin in return. Though the Cowboys’ need for a receiver has been somewhat mitigated by acquiring George Pickens, they could utilize both players and choose who to compensate later royal panalo.com. The Commanders would also need to include high draft picks in their offer, and while they traded their second-rounder in 2026, Parsons could elevate Washington’s defense to a top-10 unit, a substantial upgrade for a team fresh off an unexpected trip to the NFC Championship Game.
Of course, the likelihood of such a trade is slim. Jones would be unlikely to help a divisional rival strengthen their chances against his team, considering his long pursuit of a championship title over the past 29 years.
Ralph Vacchiano is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. He previously spent six years covering the Giants and Jets for SNY TV in New York and has 16 years of experience covering the Giants and NFL for the New York Daily News. Follow him on Twitter at @RalphVacchiano.
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