Micah Parsons reveals Eagles trade was 'very close'

The Cowboys star explains why the deal didn't happen

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Micah Parsons, the three-time All-Pro edge rusher, revealed that the Philadelphia Eagles were "very close" to trading for him before he was ultimately dealt to the Green Bay Packers. Parsons said the deal fell through because the Cowboys wanted the Eagles to include All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter in the trade, and Parsons didn't want to play in Philadelphia without Carter.

Why it matters

This trade saga provides insight into the high value the Cowboys placed on Parsons, as well as the Eagles' aggressive pursuit of top defensive talent. It also highlights the challenges of executing blockbuster trades within the same division, as the Cowboys were reluctant to send Parsons to their NFC East rival.

The details

Parsons explained on his podcast that the Eagles were in the mix to land him before he was traded to the Packers. However, the Cowboys wanted the Eagles to include 2024 All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter in the deal, and Parsons said he didn't want to play in Philadelphia without Carter. The Eagles had reportedly offered the Cowboys a package including at least two first-round picks, a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick, but Dallas ultimately accepted Green Bay's offer of two first-rounders and defensive tackle Kenny Clark.

  • In September 2025, FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer reported that the Eagles made the 'biggest offer' to the Cowboys for Parsons.
  • Ahead of the 2025 season, Micah Parsons was traded from the Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers.

The players

Micah Parsons

A three-time All-Pro edge rusher who was traded from the Dallas Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers ahead of the 2025 season.

Jalen Carter

A 2024 All-Pro defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jaelan Phillips

An edge rusher who the Eagles traded for, sending a third-round pick to the Miami Dolphins.

A.J. Brown

A wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Bryce Young

The quarterback for the Carolina Panthers.

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What they’re saying

“It was very close. It was very close. The Eagles, before Jaelan Phillips and all of them, it was me. It was me. And I was really about to come.”

— Micah Parsons (Bleacher Report's 'The Edge' podcast)

“There was one person that I had to play with. If he was gone, I did not want to be there. That was Jalen Carter.”

— Micah Parsons (Bleacher Report's 'The Edge' podcast)

What’s next

The Eagles will need to address their edge rusher needs this offseason, whether that's re-signing Jaelan Phillips or using a high draft pick on the position.

The takeaway

This trade saga highlights the high value the Cowboys placed on Micah Parsons, as well as the Eagles' aggressive pursuit of top defensive talent. However, the deal fell through because the Cowboys wanted the inclusion of Jalen Carter, which Parsons said was a dealbreaker for him.