Micah Parsons Trade? 10 Teams That Might Call The Cowboys

Micah Parsons, the incredibly talented linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, has quickly become one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. His exceptional speed, agility, and versatility make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Parsons' ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and even drop into coverage makes him a true game-changer. Because of his unique skill set, the idea of the Cowboys trading him seems almost ludicrous, right? Well, in the NFL, you can never say never! While it's highly improbable, let's have some fun and explore the 10 teams that might just pick up the phone and inquire about Parsons' availability. We'll dive into why these teams might be interested, what they could potentially offer, and the sheer unlikelihood of such a blockbuster trade actually happening. So, buckle up, folks, as we delve into the hypothetical world of a Micah Parsons trade – a scenario that, while far-fetched, is undeniably fascinating to ponder.

1. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears, holding the prized No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, are in a prime position to make a splash. They also have a significant need for a dominant pass rusher, making them a team that could realistically inquire about Micah Parsons. Guys, imagine Parsons terrorizing quarterbacks alongside Montez Sweat! That's a scary thought for any offensive coordinator. The Bears have the draft capital to make a serious offer, including that top pick, which could tempt the Cowboys if they were ever inclined to move Parsons. However, the Bears also have needs on the offensive side of the ball, particularly at quarterback, which they'll likely address with that No. 1 pick. Trading it for Parsons would create a massive hole under center.

Consider this: The Bears are in rebuild mode, and while Parsons would undoubtedly accelerate their defensive turnaround, he wouldn't solve their offensive woes. They need a quarterback, and the draft is the most cost-effective way to find one. Plus, a rookie quarterback on a rookie contract allows them to build around him with other talented players. Trading for Parsons would mean sacrificing that opportunity, a significant risk for a team trying to establish a long-term contender. Ultimately, while the idea of Parsons in Chicago is exciting, it's a long shot given their current needs and draft position. The Bears will likely focus on building through the draft, adding young, controllable talent to their roster. But hey, we can dream, right?

2. Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders, under new head coach Antonio Pierce, are looking to inject some serious talent into their defense. Building a fierce defensive identity is crucial for Pierce, and Parsons would be the ultimate centerpiece. The Raiders have a history of making bold moves, and a trade for Parsons would certainly fit that mold. They possess some valuable draft picks and could potentially offer a package centered around their first-round selection. Think about the impact Parsons would have on the Raiders' pass rush, instantly making them a more formidable opponent. He'd bring the kind of intensity and playmaking ability that Raiders fans crave.

However, the Raiders also have other needs to address, particularly on offense, and they might be hesitant to mortgage their future for a single player, even one as talented as Parsons. They need help at quarterback, offensive line, and wide receiver. Trading away multiple high draft picks for Parsons would deplete their resources and make it harder to fill those other holes. Additionally, the Raiders have invested heavily in their defensive line in recent years, drafting players like Tyree Wilson and Malcolm Koonce. They might prefer to see those players develop rather than trading for a superstar like Parsons. It's a tough call for the Raiders. The allure of adding a defensive cornerstone like Parsons is strong, but they must weigh that against their other needs and the cost of acquiring him. A trade is possible, but it would require a significant commitment from the Raiders and a willingness to part with valuable assets.

3. Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams, known for their aggressive approach to roster building, could be a dark horse contender in the Micah Parsons sweepstakes. Les Snead isn't afraid to trade, and he isn't afraid to trade up. After their Super Bowl run a couple of years ago, they've shown a willingness to make big moves to acquire top talent, even if it means sacrificing future draft capital. Aaron Donald's retirement leaves a massive hole in their defense, and Parsons could be the perfect player to fill that void. Imagine Parsons wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks in the same stadium where Donald dominated for so many years. The Rams have a strong defensive line coach in Raheem Morris, who could maximize Parsons' potential.

However, the Rams' draft capital is somewhat limited after their previous trades, and they might not have the ammunition to outbid other teams for Parsons. They also have several other needs to address, including their offensive line and secondary. Plus, the Rams have historically valued defensive linemen over linebackers, so they might be more inclined to use their resources to draft a defensive end or tackle. Trading for Parsons would be a bold move for the Rams, but it's not entirely out of the question. They've surprised us before, and they could do so again. The Rams' willingness to go all-in makes them a team to watch in any potential trade scenario, but their limited draft capital could ultimately be a barrier to acquiring Parsons.

4. Philadelphia Eagles

Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles are always aggressive and always looking for a way to add a blue-chip player to the roster. The Eagles are perennial contenders, and they understand the importance of having a dominant defense. Parsons would be an instant upgrade to their front seven, providing them with a pass-rushing force they haven't had since... well, maybe ever. Imagine Parsons lining up alongside Jalen Carter and Haason Reddick – that's a front seven that would strike fear into the hearts of quarterbacks everywhere. The Eagles have a history of making big trades for defensive players, and they certainly have the resources to make a competitive offer for Parsons.

But, and it's a big but, trading within the division is a rarity in the NFL. The Cowboys would be extremely hesitant to trade Parsons to a division rival, especially one as competitive as the Eagles. It would be akin to arming their enemy, making it that much harder for the Cowboys to compete for the NFC East crown. Plus, the Eagles have invested heavily in their defensive line in recent years, and they might prefer to continue building through the draft. While the idea of Parsons in midnight green is tantalizing, the divisional rivalry makes this trade highly unlikely. It's simply too risky for the Cowboys to send such a valuable player to a team they face twice a year. Never say never, but this one feels like a definite long shot.

5. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons, with their newly acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins, are clearly in win-now mode. They've shown a willingness to spend money and make moves to improve their roster, and adding a player like Parsons would be a statement of intent. The Falcons have a need for a dominant pass rusher, and Parsons would immediately fill that void. He'd bring a much-needed spark to their defense and make them a more complete team. The Falcons also have some young talent on their roster that they could include in a trade package.

However, the Falcons have already invested heavily in their offense, and they might be hesitant to divert resources to the defense, especially given the cost of acquiring Parsons. They also have needs at other positions, such as cornerback and safety. Plus, the Falcons' coaching staff might prefer to develop their existing defensive players rather than trading for a superstar. While the Falcons' win-now mentality makes them a potential suitor for Parsons, the financial commitment and their other needs could make a trade less likely. They'll have to carefully weigh the cost of acquiring Parsons against the potential benefits, especially given their existing investments on the offensive side of the ball.

6. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions, fresh off a deep playoff run, are looking to take the next step and contend for a Super Bowl. They've built a strong roster through the draft and free agency, and they might be willing to make a bold move to add a player like Parsons. The Lions have a need for a pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson, and Parsons would be a perfect fit. Imagine Parsons and Hutchinson terrorizing opposing quarterbacks together – that's a scary thought for any offensive line. The Lions also have the draft capital to make a competitive offer.

But, and it's another big but, the Lions have built their team through the draft, and they might be hesitant to trade away valuable picks for a single player. They also have other needs to address, such as cornerback and linebacker. Plus, the Lions' coaching staff has done a great job of developing their existing players, and they might prefer to continue that approach. While the idea of Parsons in Detroit is exciting, the Lions' draft-centric philosophy and their other needs could make a trade less likely. They'll have to carefully consider whether the potential benefits of acquiring Parsons outweigh the cost of sacrificing future draft picks. It's a tough decision for a team that's on the cusp of contention.

7. Houston Texans

The Houston Texans, after a remarkable turnaround season, are looking to build on their success and become a true contender in the AFC. They have a young, talented quarterback in C.J. Stroud and a promising head coach in DeMeco Ryans. Adding a player like Parsons would be a major statement and solidify their defense. Ryans, a former linebacker himself, would undoubtedly love to have Parsons on his team. The Texans have the draft capital and the cap space to make a serious offer.

However, the Texans have already made significant investments in their defense, and they might be hesitant to spend even more resources on that side of the ball. They also have needs on offense, particularly at wide receiver and offensive line. Plus, the Texans might prefer to continue building through the draft, adding young, controllable talent to their roster. While the Texans' ambitious mindset makes them a potential suitor for Parsons, their existing investments and other needs could make a trade less likely. They'll have to weigh the cost of acquiring Parsons against their overall team-building strategy, especially given their success in the recent draft.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars, after a disappointing 2023 season, are looking to rebound and make a playoff push. They have a talented quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, but their defense needs improvement. Adding Parsons would be a massive upgrade to their pass rush and give their defense a much-needed boost. The Jaguars have the financial flexibility to make a trade, and they might be willing to part with some draft capital to acquire a player of Parsons' caliber.

But, and this is a recurring theme, the Jaguars have other needs to address, particularly on offense. They need to improve their offensive line and add more weapons for Lawrence. Plus, the Jaguars have a new coaching staff, and they might prefer to evaluate their existing players before making a major trade. While the Jaguars' need for defensive help makes them a potential suitor for Parsons, their other needs and the new coaching staff could make a trade less likely. They'll have to carefully assess their roster and determine whether acquiring Parsons is the best way to address their weaknesses.

9. New York Jets

The New York Jets, with a healthy Aaron Rodgers (hopefully), are looking to make a Super Bowl run. They have a strong defense already, but adding Parsons would make them even more formidable. Imagine Parsons lining up alongside Quinnen Williams and C.J. Mosley – that's a defensive front that would be the envy of the league. The Jets are in win-now mode, and they might be willing to make a bold move to acquire Parsons.

However, the Jets have already traded away a lot of draft capital in recent years, and they might not have enough ammunition to make a competitive offer for Parsons. They also have needs on the offensive line, which were glaringly apparent last season. Plus, the Jets' success hinges on Rodgers' health, and they might be hesitant to mortgage their future for a single player, especially given Rodgers' age and injury history. While the Jets' Super Bowl aspirations make them a potential suitor for Parsons, their limited draft capital and other needs could make a trade less likely. They'll have to weigh the potential benefits of acquiring Parsons against the risk of sacrificing their long-term future.

10. Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders, with a new ownership group and a new coaching staff, are looking to rebuild their franchise and establish a winning culture. They have a significant need for a pass rusher, and Parsons would be a perfect fit in their defensive scheme. The Commanders have the draft capital to make a serious offer, and they might be willing to take a big swing to acquire a player like Parsons.

However, the Commanders have many holes to fill on their roster, and they might prefer to spread their resources around rather than investing heavily in a single player. They need a quarterback, offensive linemen, and help in the secondary. Plus, the Commanders are in the early stages of a rebuild, and they might prefer to build through the draft, adding young, controllable talent to their roster. While the Commanders' need for a pass rusher and their draft capital make them a potential suitor for Parsons, their numerous other needs and their rebuilding status could make a trade less likely. They'll have to carefully consider their long-term plan and determine whether acquiring Parsons aligns with their overall vision.

In conclusion, while a Micah Parsons trade is highly unlikely, it's fun to speculate about the possibilities. These 10 teams, for various reasons, could be the most likely to at least inquire about his availability. Whether any of them could actually pull off a deal is another story altogether. But hey, in the NFL, you never know! Anything can happen, and that's what makes it so exciting.