Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons
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CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 08: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Arizona Cardinals could be in the mix for a major addition on the defensive side of the ball.
Bleacher Report Columnist Kristopher Knox, in his recent feature, mentioned the Cardinals trading for a particularly intriguing player.
Micah Parsons.
Parsons, who has made recent headlines in the NFL, requested a trade from the Dallas Cowboys due to stalled contract negotiations.
It’s the kind of trade that could flip the NFC West on its head.
Moreover, the Cardinals could obtain one of the best defensive players in the league, making an instant impact.
This kind of trade would cost a pretty penny, but Knox states that if the Cardinals were intrigued enough, they could make it work.
Cardinals Could Land Parsons, At A Cost
In his feature, Knox breaks down the cost and consequences to what would be a blockbuster deal.
In order to get Parsons, the Cardinals would have to give up a sizable chunk of their future.
Knox has Arizona giving up a 2026 1st, 2nd and 3rd round picks.
He also includes a 2027 1st round pick and Edge Zaven Collins.
That is a steep price, no doubt about it.
However, for a generational defensive player, at a premium position, the cost is worth calculating.
“The Cardinals signed both Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell before using the 16th overall pick on Walter Nolen III,” said Knox.
Additionally, Knox states that although the Cardinals brought in players to help their ailing pass-rush, they should still explore the potential.
“However, there are a few reasons why Arizona would be wise to make a run at Parsons. For one, Nolen is dealing with a calf injury and may not be ready for Week 1. Secondly, head coach Jonathan Gannon is entering his third season with a 12-22 record and really needs to start racking up some wins. “Lastly, while Campbell remains productive, he’ll turn 39 in September and isn’t a long-term answer on the edge,” said Knox.
In today’s NFL, you need a sustained pass-rush to find success.
Enter Micah Parsons.
With 52.5 sacks in 4 seasons, that kind of range would inject instant firepower.
With a coaching staff reeling to rack up some wins, cap space and future picks, the idea of obtaining Parsons for a high cost looks to be more realistic than at first glance.
Is Parsons The Final Piece Of The Puzzle?
Among the detailed blockbuster deal outlined by Knox, the bottom line remains.
Would obtaining Micah Parsons be the final piece of the puzzle for the Cardinals in order to get over the hump and into the playoffs?
The short answer—yes, potentially.
The Cardinals already have offensive talent brewing in quarterback Kyler Murray and standout receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
With an underrated offensive line continuing to grow and a defense that made some splashes last season, an addition as big as Parsons could pay off.
Still, the cost matters.
Giving up two firsts, a second, and a third round pick is franchise-altering.
Moreover, the Cardinals would need to pay Parsons with a hefty contract.
As Knox explains in his feature, the impending contract would make Parsons the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
The gamble to make a deal as complex as this could be worth it in the long run for Arizona.
How many future picks would be a generational talent like Parsons?
There is no doubt that this move would be a risk, but the payoff could be playoffs in January.
If the Arizona Cardinals want to finally get over the hump, this trade could be the loudest statement yet.