In an unexpected move, the Dallas Cowboys have traded their star DE Micah Parsons to division rivals Green Bay Packers. This is despite team owner Jerry Jones explicitly stating that money was behind this choice. In a revealing interview on CNBC’s “Closing Bell: Overtime,” Jones explained that the trade was not personal but rather a strategic move based on mathematical analysis of the team’s roster and salary cap.
Micah Parsons Entering his age-26 season, Parsons recently secured 26-year-old Edgerusher to a colossal four-year, $96 million extension. This deal is for an eye-popping $186 million, with a jaw-dropping $136 million guarantee! This contract makes Parsons the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. He’s put on a stellar show, and he is proving his mettle. He has put up over 12 sacks in each of the last four seasons.
To this day, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones marvels at Parsons, admitting he’s the great player they missed. He emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of Parsons’ abilities but rather a calculated choice to optimize the Cowboys’ financial situation.
“You know our game has availability issues. In other words, if you’re hurt, you don’t play. Well the odds of having more for that much compensation, the odds of getting more people playing on the field every game as opposed to having it all on one or two, it’s an opportunity for us,” – Jerry Jones
The trade was particularly surprising given the months-long public feud that had taken place between Parsons and the Cowboys over his contract. The Cowboys are now worth a staggering $12.5 billion. Jones thinks maximizing resources across the board would do wonders to help balance the team in the long term.
“If you look at what his numbers are in terms of his compensation over the next five years… and then you look at those draft picks that we got, and you look at what those numbers could pay to other players, you’ll see about five of maybe the very best players as you can get in the NFL, for what one gets in Micah,” – Jerry Jones
The trade clearly signals a new direction for the Cowboys and Parsons alike. For the Packers, landing a game changer like Parsons would immediately upgrade their pass rush and create a formidable defensive front. For the Cowboys, this trade creates pathways towards financial flexibility and future acquisitions that will better stabilize their roster in the long run.