Micah Parsons trade terms: What is Dallas getting from Green Bay for the former Penn State star?

Micah Parsons’ wish has been granted. The former Penn State star and multi-time NFL All-Pro has been traded by the Dallas Cowboys weeks after the Harrisburg, Pa., native asked the team to move him amid negotiations for a contract extension. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported Thursday that the Green Bay Packers are acquiring Parsons. The NFC North side and star defender have already agreed on his sought-after new deal.
“Micah Parsons will receive $62 million in the first new year of the deal, $120M fully guaranteed, and a total of $136 million guaranteed – all records for non-quarterbacks,” Schefter writes.
The total deal is four years for $188 million, per Parsons’ agency. It makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. In return, Dallas is getting from Green Bay, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:
–Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark
–Two first round draft picks
Parsons is a three-time All-Pro who won the Defensive Rookie of the Year honor in his first season after leaving Penn State. He entered 2025 with 52.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries among a bevy of other statistical accomplishments. All of that led him to want an extension on his rookie deal, which expires after this season. But, a bitter back-and-forth between Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Parsons became public earlier this summer. It ultimately led Parsons to say he no longer wanted to be in Dallas.
Top 10
- 1
Mack is back
PSU safety talks return
- 2New
'28 visitors
Six coming to White Out
- 3
Fun with numbers
T-Frank's interesting stats
- 4
FBS vs. FCS
What Villanova gets from PSU
- 5
JF notebook
Lions must let it rip
Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
“Yes I wanted to be here. I did everything I could to show that I wanted to be a Cowboy and wear the star on my helmet,” Parsons wrote in part. “I wanted to play in front of the best fans in sports and make this Americas team once again. The team my pops and I grew up cheering for way up in Harrisburg, PA. Unfortunately I no longer want to be here. I no longer want to be held to close door negotiations without my agent present.”
While many expected Parsons and the Cowboys to reach an agreement eventually, that did not happen. And now, the former Penn State standout is part of one of the biggest trades in NFL history and will play in Green Bay this fall.
“This is a sad day but not a bitter one,” Parsons said Thursday in a released statement. “I’ll never forget the joy of draft night, the adrenaline of running out of that tunnel, or the brotherhood I shared with my teammates, coaches, and staff who prepared me every single game. Those memories are mine forever.”