Back in February, the sports world stood still when a team from Dallas decided to trade a young superstar in the prime of his career. The move was inexplicable - a decision no one would dare to justify or support. Fans reacted with disbelief and astonishment that such a trade could take place.
Several months ago, the player being traded was Luka Doncic. Today, it's Micah Parsons.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dallas Cowboys are trading the 26-year-old pass rusher to the Green Bay Packers. Parsons requested a trade earlier this summer after the team failed to reach terms on a contract extension, and the Packers were more than happy to give hima new deal.
Schefter says that Parsons has agreed to a four-year, $188 million contract with $120 million guaranteed at signing - making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
Much like the deal that sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, this move has stunned the entire sports world.
The NFL World Reacts Across Social Media
"Micah Parsons got traded to the Packers while we were live on the air," said the account for the FS1 show "First Things First." The show's cast - including Nick Wright and Chris Broussard - couldn't believe the breaking news.
Former Dallas Cowboys legend Michael Irvin appeared on ESPN's NFL Live today, and he offered a prediction that was immediately proven wrong.
"I guarantee Micah Parsons is not going anywhere," Irvin said, literal minutes before Parsons was reportedly dealt to Green Bay.
Cowboys writer RJ Ochoa pointed out the poor form of the team's front office over the last few years, and said that those mistakes have laid the foundation for today's mind-boggling trade.
"The front office has put on a masterclass effort at proving how to be the worst ever at this in a year," he said, mentioning the lack of urgency on new deals for quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb.
"There is no way to describe this other than organizational malpractice. I have defended Jerry Jones through a lot of manufactured drama, but this is indefensible," said ESPN's Mike Greenberg.
"The owner just cost his team its best player a week before the season."
When Will Parsons Play Against the Cowboys?
Jones and the Cowboys won't have to wait long to welcome Parsons back to Dallas. The Packers will visit the Cowboys on September 28 - naturally, on Sunday Night Football.
Jason and Travis Kelce noted the tension in contract negotiations between Parsons and the Cowboys on the "New Heights" podcast, and the show shared a clip right after the deal was reported.
"How can you listen to that and not love Jerry Jones?," Jason says, as Travis nearly falls over in his chair from laughter.
We'll see how each team responds after the trade is finalized and the season begins, but it's clear that Dallas' decision to trade Parsons is one that will live in sports infamy.
This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Aug 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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