Packers Star Micah Parsons: Cowboys 'Almost' Traded Him to Rival Eagles

Dallas considered trading the star defensive end to their NFC East rival last offseason.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Last offseason, the Dallas Cowboys and star defensive end Micah Parsons were at an impasse in contract extension talks. As a result, the Cowboys considered trading Parsons, and they even had discussions with their NFC East rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, about a potential deal. Ultimately, the Cowboys ended up trading Parsons to the Green Bay Packers just days before the 2025 NFL season began.

Why it matters

This near-trade of one of the NFL's top defensive players between two bitter division rivals would have been a blockbuster move that would have significantly impacted both teams' rosters and outlooks for the 2025 season and beyond.

The details

According to reports, the Cowboys and Eagles had discussions about a trade that would have sent Parsons to Philadelphia. However, the two teams were unable to agree on the terms of the deal, and Dallas ultimately decided to trade Parsons to the Packers instead.

  • Last offseason, prior to the 2025 NFL season

The players

Micah Parsons

A superstar defensive end for the Green Bay Packers who was almost traded from the Dallas Cowboys to their NFC East rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, last offseason.

Dallas Cowboys

The NFL team that considered trading Parsons last offseason before ultimately dealing him to the Green Bay Packers.

Philadelphia Eagles

The NFC East rival of the Dallas Cowboys who had discussions with the Cowboys about acquiring Parsons in a trade last offseason.

Green Bay Packers

The NFL team that ultimately acquired Parsons in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys just days before the 2025 season.

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The takeaway

This near-trade of Parsons between the Cowboys and Eagles highlights the high value placed on elite defensive talent in the NFL, as well as the intense rivalry between these two NFC East teams that was nearly further stoked by a blockbuster player swap.