All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons requests a trade from the Dallas Cowboys, addressed personally to team Vice President Stephen Jones.
The NFL offseason is in full swing, and one of the most intriguing stories revolves around Dallas Cowboys' All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, who has reportedly requested a trade. With several teams in need of a pass rusher and boasting the necessary cap space, Parsons could be on the move.
The Contenders
Several franchises have emerged as potential destinations for Parsons. Here are the top nine teams mentioned across various sources:
- Detroit Lions: Given their strong 2024 season and their readiness to win now, the Lions are a top candidate, especially with returning edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
- Buffalo Bills: In a Super Bowl window, the Bills could use Parsons to boost their pass rush, although they face cap space challenges due to high-paid players like Josh Allen.
- Chicago Bears: Listed among interested teams, Chicago could pursue Parsons to bolster their defense.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Under new coach Pete Carroll, the Raiders are looking to improve their pass rush and could be an attractive option.
- New England Patriots: With the most cap space in the NFL, the Patriots could easily accommodate Parsons’ contract.
- Tennessee Titans: Named as a potential destination due to their need and cap space.
- Atlanta Falcons: Struggling in sacks last season, adding Parsons could help the Falcons make a postseason push.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Also listed among the potential trade destinations, the Chargers made a massive leap in 2024 and could benefit from Parsons' skills.
- Cleveland Browns: Mentioned as a precedent for re-signing or trading for a star pass rusher like Myles Garrett.
Market Timing and Trade Scenarios
While Dallas expects a substantial trade return similar to deals for elite pass rushers like Jalen Ramsey or Khalil Mack, the market timing is difficult as there is not a large bidding war currently. The trade scenarios focus on teams needing a dominant edge rusher with the salary cap flexibility to absorb Parsons’ contract.
Other Developments
Elsewhere in the league, the Arizona Cardinals have been aggressive in improving their defense this offseason, signing Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell, drafting Walker Nolen, and drafting Will Johnson. Meanwhile, the Packers, who have made the postseason in both of the last two seasons, are looking to strengthen their pass rush, despite having 45 sacks and a quarterback pressure rate of 35.3% in the 2024 season.
In other news, Parsons personally sent a trade request to Cowboys COO and EVP Stephen Jones on Friday afternoon, and the Los Angeles Chargers made a massive leap in 2024, going from a 5-12 team to 11-6 and earning a playoff berth. The New England Patriots have the most cap space in the entire NFL at $59.937 million, while the Green Bay Packers have $31.234 million in cap space for the 2025 season.
However, a trade to the New York Giants is not an option for Parsons. Pete Carroll, the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, is the oldest coach in NFL history, entering the 2025 season at the age of 75. Finally, the Packers' pass rush struggled in the 2024 season, ranking 21st in the league, and the Arizona Cardinals had a league-average defense in 2025, ranking 15th in the NFL in scoring defense.
As the offseason unfolds, keep an eye on Micah Parsons' potential trade destination. The All-Pro edge rusher's skills could significantly impact several teams' chances of making a postseason run in 2025.
- The general NFL offseason debate centers on the potential trade of Dallas Cowboys' All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, who has expressed a desire to move.
- Apart from the Dallas Cowboys, nine teams have emerged as potential destinations for Parsons, including the Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots.
- The record for most sacks and quarterback pressure rate in the 2024 season was achieved by the New England Patriots, who have the most cap space in the NFL and could accommodate Parsons’ contract.
- The Arizona Cardinals, who struggled in sacks last season, could benefit from Parsons' skills as they aggressively work to improve their defense this offseason.
- In sports, the news of a trade for Parsons could significantly impact several teams' chances of making a postseason run in 2025, especially those in need of a dominant edge rusher with the salary cap flexibility to absorb his contract.
- Interestingly, Pete Carroll, the oldest coach in NFL history, leads the Las Vegas Raiders, who are looking to improve their pass rush and could be an attractive option for Parsons.
