Dak Prescott Reacts to Micah Parsons’ Shocking Trade to Packers
In a move that sent shockwaves through the NFL community, Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers last Thursday, following his trade request that team owner Jerry Jones ultimately decided to fulfill. The trade culminated in Parsons signing a historic four-year, $188 million contract with the Packers, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. This blockbuster deal came as a surprise to many, including Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who recently shared his thoughts on losing his former teammate. While Prescott admitted he didn’t anticipate Parsons being traded, he wasn’t entirely shocked by the outcome given the tension that had developed during negotiations between Parsons and the Cowboys front office. “I definitely didn’t think he was going to get traded,” Prescott told The Athletic, “but just with the way their negotiations went down, obviously to some extent. It seemed like it got personal on their ends, so that’s why I wasn’t surprised.”
The trade has significant implications for both teams involved. The Cowboys received considerable compensation, including the Packers’ next two first-round draft picks and All-Pro defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Meanwhile, the Packers gained one of the league’s most dominant defensive players, a three-time All-Pro who has established himself as a game-changing force since entering the league. The magnitude of Parsons’ new contract reflects his value – at $188 million over four years, he now holds the record for the largest contract ever given to a non-quarterback player in NFL history. This financial landmark underscores how valuable elite defensive talent has become in today’s pass-heavy NFL, where players who can consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks command premium prices.
Prescott, who himself became the highest-paid player in the NFL after securing his long-term extension with Dallas last offseason, expressed a pragmatic view on the situation. He suggested that resolving the contract standoff – even through a trade – was preferable to an extended holdout that would have created ongoing distractions for the team. “If nothing had been done, we’d sit here and y’all still would’ve been asking me whether he was playing in a couple days or when he was going to be playing,” Prescott explained to reporters from the Dallas Morning News. “That would’ve been a lot more of a headache and distraction than getting a solution to it.” This perspective reflects the reality of modern NFL business operations, where contract disputes can significantly impact team chemistry and focus if left unresolved.
The aftermath of the trade has left Cowboys fans and analysts processing a significant shift in the team’s defensive identity. Parsons had quickly established himself as the cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense since being drafted 12th overall in 2021, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and following up with back-to-back All-Pro selections. Jerry Jones, who initially downplayed Parsons’ trade request, later justified the move by emphasizing it was made with both immediate and long-term team success in mind. This explanation has done little to appease some Cowboys legends like Michael Irvin, who publicly criticized Jones for trading away a generational talent. The decision represents a calculated gamble by the Cowboys organization, betting that the draft capital and addition of Kenny Clark will provide more value over time than retaining Parsons at his market price.
On a personal level, Prescott revealed that he exchanged messages with Parsons following the trade, simply wishing him “good luck” in his new chapter with the Packers. Other Cowboys stars including CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs similarly extended well-wishes to their former teammate. These interactions highlight the professional respect between players who understand the business nature of the NFL, where even the closest teammates can be separated by financial and strategic decisions beyond their control. The relationships formed in locker rooms often transcend team boundaries, even as players find themselves competing against former teammates.
In an interesting twist of fate, the Cowboys won’t have to wait long to face their former defensive star. Parsons and the Packers will host Dallas in Week 4 on “Sunday Night Football,” creating an early-season matchup filled with compelling storylines. Prescott, who has enjoyed practicing against Parsons for years without having to worry about being hit by the ferocious pass rusher, will now have to account for him as an opponent. This primetime showdown will undoubtedly draw significant attention as Parsons returns to face his former team just weeks after the trade. For Dallas, the game represents not only an important early-season test but also a direct opportunity to validate – or question – the wisdom of trading away one of the NFL’s premier defensive talents. Meanwhile, Packers fans will get to see their expensive new acquisition tested against his former teammates in what promises to be one of the most emotionally charged games of the 2024 NFL season.
