The Philadelphia Eagles were reportedly in the mix to make one of the biggest moves of the NFL season. While they initially lost out, many fans hoped for a future reunion. However, a hidden clause shut the door completely.
What could have been a blockbuster trade to bring All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons to Philadelphia was ultimately stopped by a unique “poison pill” provision built into his contract, one that directly prevents him from being traded to any NFC East team — including the Eagles.
The Trade That Shook the NFL
Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni looks at the scoreboard in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni looks at the scoreboard in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
According to ESPN’s report on Friday, the Dallas Cowboys included a rarely used contractual clause in the Micah Parsons deal that effectively blocks any chance for the Eagles to land him in the future.
For the Eagles’ front office — and a fan base that’s watched Parsons terrorize their offensive line for years — the news hit hard. League sources told ESPN that the Eagles were one of several teams monitoring Parsons’ situation after trade talks initially surfaced:
The Dallas Cowboys included a “poison pill” condition in the Micah Parsons trade to the Packers, according to ESPN. The clause prohibits Green Bay from trading their pass rusher to the NFC East, notably the Eagles after they tried to land the multi-time All-Pro during his summer holdout.
The Packers would owe the Cowboys their 2028 first-round draft pick if Green Bay moves Parsons to Philadelphia, Washington or New York. The “poison pill” condition is also featured for Kenny Clark, who was part of the package from the Packers to the Cowboys. If Dallas trade Clark to a team from the NFC North, the Packers get the Cowboys’ 2028 first-round pick.
The “poison pill” stipulations reportedly apply to this season and 2026. This parameter was not discussed publicly when the Parsons blockbuster materialized, but NFL teams reportedly noticed that were conditions attached to the Cowboys’ and Packers’ 2028 first-round picks that prevented them from being traded.
The Cowboys’ “all-in” trade this week for Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams spiked the “poison pill” conversations when Dallas’ future 2028 first-round was prohibited from trade discussions.
What the Clause Means for the Eagles
For a franchise built on smart trades and bold roster moves, the Eagles have rarely been blocked this decisively. General manager Howie Roseman has built a reputation for making aggressive deals to strengthen Philadelphia’s defense, particularly in the pass-rush department.
Landing Parsons — a player already considered one of the best defenders in football — would have immediately solidified Philadelphia’s front seven for years. Instead, the “poison pill” language froze any possible discussions before they even began.
Insiders familiar with the situation told ESPN that the clause was inserted as part of Parsons’ contract restructure earlier this season, specifically to prevent a trade to Dallas’ division rivals in the future. It’s a bold move that keeps one of the NFL’s top defenders out of Philadelphia’s reach indefinitely.
The Rivalry Intensifies
For years, the Cowboys-Eagles rivalry has been one of the fiercest in the NFL. Now, this contractual maneuver adds another chapter — one that may sting Philadelphia fans.
Instead of potentially joining the Eagles’ defense, Parsons will continue to line up against them. NFL executives have called the clause “smart business,” but in Philadelphia, it feels personal.
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