NFL Exec Calls Micah Parsons Deal ‘Luka Trade 2.0’

Another Dallas sports team has traded a star player who was just entering his prime, and this time it took place in the NFL involving Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons.

Cowboys Traded Micah Parsons To Packers

After an offseason of contract disputes, the Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, where he reportedly signed a record-setting four-year, $188 million contract.

In exchange, Dallas received three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round draft picks (2026 and 2027). Clark had one of his least productive seasons in 2024, with 37 tackles and just one sack.

Parsons’ new deal also includes $120 million fully guaranteed at signing and $136 million in total guarantees, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, one NFC North staffer compared the trade deal to the Dallas Mavericks trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.

The Lakers received Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris from the Mavs, while Dallas acquired Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick.

“Luka trade 2.0. In-conference is crazy. Shows how much Jerry’s ego was involved,” the staffer said. “Those first-round picks aren’t worth much because Green Bay should be a playoff contender the next few years. You don’t trade a generational player, especially one who’s not a criminal and has no off-field issues. It’s malpractice.”

The Mavs traded Doncic after he had earned five consecutive All-Star and All-NBA First-Team selections, won NBA Rookie of the Year, and established himself as a perennial MVP candidate.

Parsons Among The Best NFL Defenders

The Lakers secured their future with Doncic last month when he signed a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension that will keep him in Los Angeles through at least 2028.

Parsons, meanwhile, has a similar résumé with four Pro Bowl appearances, two first-team All-Pro nods, and an award for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He recorded 12 or more sacks in his first four seasons, joining Hall of Famer Reggie White as the only other player to do so.

In addition, the only other Cowboys to start their careers with four Pro Bowl selections are Zack Martin and Hall of Famers Smith and Mel Renfro.

Parsons was also a finalist for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times.

After months of fan backlash, the Mavericks lucked out on landing the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft lottery and using it to select a potential superstar in Cooper Flagg.

However, unlike the Mavs, the Cowboys have yet to win a championship this century.

Despite making 10 playoff appearances since 2000, Dallas won just four playoff games over the past 25 seasons. The Cowboys lost 48-32 at home in last season’s NFC Wild Card matchup.

Dallas has yet to reach the NFC title game with quarterback Dak Prescott.

Parsons will return to Dallas with the Packers in Week 4 this season when Green Bay plays the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.