The standoff between Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys keeps getting messier. While Jerry Jones publicly insists the All-Pro edge rusher isn’t going anywhere, NFL insiders are already mapping out potential landing spots for the disgruntled star.
The most intriguing possibility? Parsons could end up with a conference rival that knows precisely how to beat Dallas when it matters most.
NFL Analyst Names NFC North Team As Landing Spot for Micah Parsons
CBS Sports’ NFL writer Jared Dubin identified seven potential new teams for Micah Parsons to land on, and the Detroit Lions are high on the list. Dubin explained that the Lions clearly need the edge rusher position, which Parsons would fill perfectly.
The Lions already have Aidan Hutchinson, returning from a season-ending leg fracture. Pairing a fully healthy Hutchinson with Parsons would create a nightmare scenario for opposing offenses and give Detroit one of the most fearsome pass-rushing duos in the league.
Dubin added that general manager Brad Holmes is negotiating with free agent pass rushers like Za’Darius Smith. Smith played eight games with the Lions in 2024-25 after being traded from the Cleveland Browns at the trade deadline. However, Parsons would be in his prime and represent a massive upgrade over free agent options like Smith.
The financial reality presents a challenge, though. The writer questioned whether the franchise could afford to pay both Parsons and Hutchinson contract extensions that would be among the highest for non-quarterbacks.
The top three highest-paid players on the Lions are currently on offense. Quarterback Jared Goff leads with a cap of $32.6 million, followed by left tackle Taylor Decker at $23.1 million and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown at $13.9 million.
Which Teams Have the Best Shot at Landing Parsons?
Dubin listed the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots as the highest tier, titled ‘Most Realistic’. He cited the Packers as a team that believes it is contending for the Super Bowl, and a piece like Parsons would put them over the top. Parsons would also have a pass-rush partner in Rashan Gary.
However, like the Lions, the Packers could face the Cowboys in the NFC playoffs. It’s hard to see Cowboys owner Jerry Jones sending Parsons to a team that has a history of eliminating Dallas from playoff contention.
Ian Rapoport on Micah Parsons to the #Packers rumors…
“That’s the kind of team that I would say, if Micah was going to be traded, that he’d be going to.”
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) August 18, 2025
The Patriots were the other team in Dubin’s ‘most realistic’ tier. He argued they need Parsons the most out of any potential suitor.
With quarterback Drake Maye on the rookie wage scale for at least the next two seasons, New England would have the most cap room to give Parsons the monster contract he’s seeking.
The Patriots’ desperation for pass-rush help makes them the most motivated buyer, but their distance from contention might not appeal to Parsons if he has any say in his destination. The choice between joining a rebuilding Patriots team or a championship-ready Lions squad seems obvious for a player entering his prime.
