CeeDee Lamb sees Cowboys' Micah Parsons trade as win-win

The star wide receiver believes the deal that sent the linebacker to the Packers benefited both parties.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Despite the Dallas Cowboys' struggles on defense in 2025, leading to the firing of their defensive coordinator, star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb believes the team's decision to trade linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers was ultimately a win-win situation. Lamb pointed out that Parsons got the lucrative contract he deserved with the Packers, while the Cowboys were able to acquire defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks in the deal, which helped address their issues stopping the run.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defense was a major weakness in 2025, and the Parsons trade was a controversial move at the time. However, Lamb's perspective provides insight into how the team's leadership viewed the deal, and suggests it may have been a pragmatic decision to improve the roster despite the short-term pain of losing a star player.

The details

The Cowboys traded Parsons to the Packers during the 2025 offseason, receiving Kenny Clark and two first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 in exchange. Parsons then signed a four-year, $186 million contract with the Packers, with $120 million guaranteed. Lamb acknowledged he was "pretty upset" when Parsons left, but believes the deal worked out well for both sides, with Parsons getting the payday he deserved and the Cowboys addressing a key need on defense.

  • The Cowboys traded Parsons to the Packers during the 2025 NFL offseason.
  • Parsons signed a four-year, $186 million contract with the Packers.

The players

CeeDee Lamb

A star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys.

Micah Parsons

A linebacker who was traded from the Dallas Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers.

Kenny Clark

A defensive tackle acquired by the Dallas Cowboys in the trade with the Packers.

Jerry Jones

The owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys.

Matt Eberflus

The former defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys who was fired.

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What they’re saying

“I was pretty upset when Micah left. I'm not afraid to say it again but, I think it was beneficial for both parties. Micah got the money that he deserved. And, at the end of the day, we ended up with Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark when we couldn't stop the run so that was pretty good. But Micah is my man, he knows that. That's my brother and brotherly love is never lost.”

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

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to continue improving their defense under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, with the addition of Kenny Clark and the two first-round picks from the Parsons trade.

The takeaway

Lamb's perspective on the Parsons trade suggests the Cowboys viewed it as a necessary move to address their defensive issues, even if it meant parting with a star player. The deal allowed Parsons to get the lucrative contract he deserved, while also providing the Cowboys with valuable assets to help rebuild their defense.