The recent trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers has sent the NFL into disarray, with the court of public opinion still out on who won and who lost the trade.
Parsons earned a historic contract, reportedly agreeing to a four-year, $188 million deal that includes $120 million guaranteed at signing. While the Cowboys were adamant about playing "hardball" with Parsons, ultimately, the team received 30-year-old defensive lineman Kenny Clark, along with two first-round picks.
Regardless of Parsons being a former Cowboy, there is no doubt that he was one of the NFL's most dominating pass rushers. Parsons has earned a Pro Bowl "nod" every season since he came into the NFL, along with three all-pro nods. Now he's taking his talent to the NFC North, and no one is happier than the Eagles, Giants, and Commanders.
CBS Sports named Eagles, rest of NFC East winners of Parsons trade
CBS Sports writer Jordan Dajani named a list of the biggest winners and losers from the Parsons trade. With Parsons no longer in the NFC East, it was safe to assume the Eagles and the rest of the division were massive winners.
"Parsons terrorized the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders. Not anymore. The Giants are optimistic with their rebuilt defense and new quarterback room, the Eagles are the reigning Super Bowl champions and the Commanders made it all the way to the NFC Championship last year. What did the Cowboys do? Trade away their best player."
Parsons came into the NFL in 2021 and has played against NFC East teams 23 times (36% of games), recording 82 tackles (32% of tackles) and 20.0 sacks (38% of sacks). In seven games vs the Eagles, Parsons has recorded 29 tackles and five sacks since 2021. Even though the Packers do take on the NFC East this year, the damage Parsons can inflict on the Eagles will be far and few between.
The Cowboys also traded away their best defensive player, if not the best player on their team. With the Eagles still rostering Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata at the tackles, the drop off between Parsons and whoever is replacing him is highly noticeable, especially with Mailata and Johnson at offensive tackle being one of the greatest strengths on the Eagles.
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With the Eagles set to take on the Cowboys during Week 1, Dallas' defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will be calling an audible to find out who can replace a potential Hall of Famer. Both teams are set to open up the NFL season in Week 1 at Lincoln Financial Field.