Micah Parsons trade request: 7 NFL teams that could pursue Dallas Cowboys star

In light of Micah Parsons’ trade request, the question is if the Dallas Cowboys will actually make the move. Should they do so, NFL.com’s Eric Edholm listed seven potential landing spots for the star pass rusher.

Parsons went public with his trade request Friday, marking the latest turn in his contract talks with the Cowboys. The former Penn State star been seeking a new deal throughout the offseason, but nothing has come to fruition. Meanwhile, the pass-rush market has shifted as Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt both received big paydays.

Now that Parsons said he wants to be traded, all eyes are on what the Cowboys do next. Should they opt to move on, here are seven teams NFL.com thinks could pursue him.

Buffalo Bills

Squarely in their Super Bowl window after another AFC Championship departure, the Buffalo Bills could be a team to enter the Micah Parsons Sweepstakes if he becomes available. Of course, there are some questions around whether they can sign him to the contract he wants.

Buffalo is currently over the cap for the next two seasons, according to OverTheCap.com, and Josh Allen is already one of the league’s highest-paid players. However, from a personnel standpoint, the Bills could supercharge their pass rush by bringing in Parsons and further maximize their championship window.

Carolina Panthers

Through an up-and-down first season under Dave Canales last year, the Carolina Panthers defense struggled. Should they opt to take a big swing, Micah Parsons could make for a centerpiece for the long-term future, NFL.com argued.

The Panthers drafted two edge rushers in Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen to help bolster a defense that ranked last in the NFL with 534 points allowed. It’s worth noting Carolina sought Milton Williams for the defensive line, meaning the franchise might not be afraid to go big-game hunting.

Chicago Bears

The Bears went to work this offseason to build around Caleb Williams after he led the NFL in sacks in 2024. They revamped the offensive line and added two pieces to the defense in Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo, but Micah Parsons would prove to be a force in Dennis Allen’s scheme.

It’s worth noting Chicago’s previous regime made the landmark trade for Khalil Mack, which some have used as a reference point for what Parsons could command in a deal. However, Williams will be due an extension in a few years when his rookie contract expires, which could lead to questions about whether the Bears could afford both their quarterback and Parsons.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns paid their star pass-rusher this offseason by making Myles Garrett a $40 million man. But adding Micah Parsons would provide the franchise another top-tier pass rusher on the opposite site – creating the best unit in the league.

Of course, there are salary cap questions to consider with Cleveland thanks in large part to the Deshaun Watson contract along with Garrett’s deal, which includes $123 million in guarantees. But if the Browns go with one of their rookies at quarterback, that could open up some salary cap doors, though it would take a lot of maneuvering to do so.

Las Vegas Raiders

Even with a new regime, the Las Vegas Raiders are perhaps best-positioned to make a move for Micah Parsons from a salary cap standpoint, according to NFL.com. They are almost $40 million under the cap as of Saturday and have nearly $100 million to work with in 2026.

Those numbers are even despite giving Maxx Crosby a lucrative new deal, meaning the Raiders could pair him with Parsons on the defense. That would create quite a duo in a loaded AFC West, though draft compensation could be a question if the Cowboys opt to trade their star linebacker.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

All eyes are on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense this year after last season’s impressive showing, but the defense has some questions marks. Although they added Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby, NFL.com said the franchise could make some sense for Micah Parsons.

The Bucs have some room with the salary cap to make some moves, and the defense could be what lifts the franchise into the Super Bowl picture. Tampa Bay’s pass rusher is a particular question mark, and adding Parsons would supercharge the unit.

Washington Commanders

An NFC East rival seems like a surprising addition to this list. But given Micah Parsons’ relationship with head coach Dan Quinn, they still could try to enter the race – albeit unlikely.

Quinn and Parsons developed a strong relationship during their time in Dallas before Quinn took over the Commanders last year. While Jerry Jones is likely not inclined to trade the star pass-rusher to a division rival, there’s still a connection if Washington wants to make a pursuit.

Micah Parsons was on the practice field Saturday, one day after making his request. Jerry Jones still has not publicly addressed the situation, though, meaning August is sure to be an interesting month in Dallas.