The Packers trade for Micah Parsons was the kind of bold move by general manager Brian Gutekunst that just might put Green Bay over the top.
Already among the favorites to challenge the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC, some inside the league believe Green Bay now has a legitimate chance at chasing the Lombardi this season.
“They’re Super Bowl contenders now,” an AFC scout told me, on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about the trade.
Just within the NFC North, Parsons’ arrival is a shot across the bow at the Packers’ biggest rivals.
NFC North QBs Among Biggest Losers from Packers’ Micah Parsons Trade
Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) wraps up Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) wraps up Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) on Sunday, January 5, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Bears defeated the Packers 24-22.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
NFL Media NFL analyst Kevin Patra suggests that NFC North quarterbacks are among the biggest losers after the Packers pulled off one of the biggest trades in recent NFL history.
“Already in a loaded division,” Patra writes of the Parsons blockbuster. “Now Jared Goff, Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy must contend with Parsons twice a year. Yippee! The Lions are undergoing a transition on the interior of their offensive line. The Bears completely revamped their blocking crew but still have questions at left tackle.
“And the Vikings added a couple of veteran free-agent blockers to the mix who are coming off injuries. With those groups having to face a Hafley defense that just added Parsons, the anxiety rises to another level. Green Bay’s D already made life hard on QBs. It’ll be much more difficult with Parsons screaming off the edge in a cheese-colored helmet.”
Even as the Bears and Vikings solidified their offensive lines this offseason, Parsons landing in Green Bay this close to Week 1 gives the Packers’ rivals even less time to prepare for lining up against the game-wrecker twice per season.
Parsons arrives in Green Bay with 52.5 career sacks and posted 70 pressures last season, so the revamped offensive lines across the division better be up to task, or Green Bay’s pass rush has the chance to wreak serious havoc.
Aug 22, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons walks off the field after the game against the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Aug 22, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons walks off the field after the game against the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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