Cowboys WR Lamb Conflicted Over Parsons Trade to Packers

Lamb says Parsons deserved the money, but the pass-rusher's departure hurt the Cowboys' defense.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb expressed conflicting emotions about the team's decision to trade star pass-rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in 2025. Lamb acknowledged he was "pretty upset" when Parsons left, but also said he felt the move was "beneficial for both parties" since Parsons got the lucrative contract he deserved. The Cowboys acquired defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson in the aftermath, but Lamb admitted the team still lacked a dominant pass-rusher, which contributed to their 7-9-1 record and failure to make the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Parsons trade was a major shakeup for the Cowboys, who had built their defense around the star linebacker. Lamb's comments provide insight into how the team's players felt about the high-profile departure and the impact it had on the team's performance.

The details

The Cowboys traded Parsons to the Packers in late August 2025 in exchange for two first-round draft picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Parsons then signed a four-year, $188 million contract with $136 million guaranteed with Green Bay. Lamb said he wished the contract negotiations "wouldn't have dragged" on so long, but acknowledged Parsons deserved the money. The Cowboys tried to bolster their defense by acquiring Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson, but Lamb felt the team still lacked a dominant pass-rusher, which contributed to their disappointing 7-9-1 season and failure to make the playoffs.

  • In late August 2025, the Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Packers.
  • Prior to the November 2025 trade deadline, the Cowboys acquired Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson.

The players

CeeDee Lamb

A wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys.

Micah Parsons

A star pass-rusher who was traded from the Dallas Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers in 2025.

Jerry Jones

The owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys.

Quinnen Williams

A defensive tackle acquired by the Dallas Cowboys prior to the 2025 trade deadline.

Logan Wilson

A linebacker acquired by the Dallas Cowboys prior to the 2025 trade deadline.

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What they’re saying

“I can't really say too much to Jerry. I can give him my opinion as to what I think about Micah. And then, at the end of the day, him and his team is going to make the best decision for us, right? But as for me, and as everyone knows, I was pretty upset when Micah left. I'm not afraid to say it again. But I feel like it was beneficial for both parties. Micah got the money that he deserved.”

— CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (The Rich Eisen Show)

“I feel like we ended up with Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, and we couldn't stop the run, so that was pretty good for us to elevate as far as defensive-wise. But then we were missing a pass-rusher to get to the (quarterback). I felt like that's what we were missing. But overall, as a team and as a unit, we could definitely be better and step up and hold our end of the bargain. But Micah's my man. He knows that brotherly love is never lost.”

— CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (The Rich Eisen Show)

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to address their pass-rushing needs in the upcoming offseason, either through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Parsons trade was a difficult decision for the Cowboys, as it removed a key defensive piece but provided financial flexibility. While Lamb was upset to see his teammate go, he acknowledged it was ultimately a beneficial move for both parties. The Cowboys' inability to adequately replace Parsons' production contributed to their disappointing 2025 season, highlighting the importance of having an elite pass-rusher in today's NFL.