The Green Bay Packers struck one of the biggest blockbuster trades in recent memory on Thursday, acquiring Micah Parsons in a shocking deal with the Dallas Cowboys.
Parsons will instantly elevate the Packers' defense, especially considering that the only player Green Bay surrendered in return was defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who appeared to be on a steep decline last season.
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The Packers' defense was already good prior to Parsons' arrival, so imagine just how good it will be now that the four-time Pro Bowler is in tow?
Green Bay not only has established studs like Xavier McKinney and Rashan Gary in its employ, but it also boasts some very impressive young defenders with star potential. Bringing Parsons aboard will certainly help their growth.
Looking at the Packers' roster, the one player that truly stands to benefit most from the Parsons acquisition is linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
Cooper may very well be Green Bay's most unique player. He is an off-ball linebacker, but he has displayed tremendous pass-rushing potential. He tallied the second-highest pass rush grade among off-ball linebackers in 2024 (only Bobby Wagner was better), and he managed 87 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception in 14 games last year (which was his rookie campaign, by the way).
In fact, Cooper was so strong as a pass rusher last season that some even wondered if the Packers should consider moving him to edge rusher in order to fully maximize his talents in that category. However, with Parsons now in the fold, that won't be necessary.
Here's the thing, though: with Parsons surely about to attract such extensive attention from opposing offenses, more pass-rushing lanes will be opened for Cooper, who should be in for a breakout season.
Packers fans are already enamored with the 23-year-old, whom the team selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He showed obvious pass-rushing chops at Texas A&M, collecting eight sacks during his final season with the Aggies. That has certainly carried over onto the professional level.
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While everyone is currently focused on Parsons (and rightfully so), we should absolutely pay close attention to Cooper over the first several weeks of the regular season. It would not be the least bit surprising to see him eclipse his 2024 sack total during the first half of 2025.
Green Bay has quite a few players who stand to significantly benefit from the Parsons trade. But none are more noticeable than Cooper, who is about to become a breakout star.
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