The inevitable occurred following months of unresolved contract disputes with the Dallas Cowboys, which even caused Micah Parsons to publicly request a trade and miss training camp. The Cowboys sold the All-Pro linebacker to Green Bay on August 28, 2025, in exchange for veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round draft picks.
Adam Schefter claims that after being moved to Green Bay, Parsons accepted a huge four-year contract worth $188 million, with $136 million guaranteed. This equates to $47 million annually, which is more than any other non-quarterback in the league. He now has the highest average pay of any non-QB, surpassing T.J. Watt’s $41 million contract.
ESPN Sources: Cowboys are trading three-time All-Pro LB Micah Packers to the Green Bay Packers.
Parsons and the Packers already have reached agreement on a four-year, $188 million contract. @DavidMulugheta of @Athletesfirst had a hand in the trade and ultimately negotiating the… pic.twitter.com/Hznxabll0P
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 28, 2025
At one point, Parsons and the Cowboys appeared to be a match made in a fairy tale. The All-Pro, who was born in Pennsylvania, publicly supported Dallas as a child and stated that playing for the team was his “dream.” He seems poised to be their defense’s mainstay for years after being chosen with the 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Then, however, the idyllic partnership fell apart.
As he began his fifth season in the NFL, Parsons was still bound by his rookie deal, which had grown more and more unworkable considering his output and position as one of the best defenders in the game. Tensions escalated when the linebacker filed a public trade request on August 1st, making it apparent that he wanted a new contract that represented his worth.
