I asked Grok (Twitter/X AI) to peg Micah Parsons trade value:
Determining the exact trade value of Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys' star linebacker and edge rusher, involves a mix of his on-field performance, age, contract status, and market trends for elite defensive players in the NFL. As of March 19, 2025, here’s an analysis based on available insights and historical comparisons:
Micah Parsons, at 25 years old, is one of the NFL’s premier defensive talents. He’s amassed 52.5 sacks in his first four seasons, earning two First-Team All-Pro selections, three Pro Bowl nods, and the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year award. His versatility—he plays both linebacker and edge rusher—and consistent production (13+ sacks in each of his last three seasons) make him a rare commodity. He’s currently in the final year of his rookie contract, with a 2025 fifth-year option salary of $24.007 million, after which he’d hit free agency unless extended or traded.
Trade value in the NFL often hinges on precedent. A common benchmark is the 2018 Khalil Mack trade, where the Oakland Raiders sent the then-27-year-old star to the Chicago Bears for two first-round picks, a sixth-round pick, and a third-round pick. Mack had 40.5 sacks over his first four seasons—comparable to Parsons’ 52.5—and was also pre-extension. Adjusting for inflation in player value and Parsons’ youth, his trade haul could exceed this. Another reference point is the rumored offer for Brian Burns in 2022, where the Los Angeles Rams reportedly offered two first-round picks and a second-round pick for the edge rusher, who had fewer accolades and just 9 sacks that year compared to Parsons’ dominance.
Analysts and insiders suggest Parsons could command a “king’s ransom.” NFL reporter Charles Robinson has argued that if Burns was worth two first-rounders, Parsons—younger, more productive, and with a stronger resume—could fetch at least three first-round picks. Others, like NFL.com’s Adam Rank, speculate a package might include multiple first-rounders plus additional assets, potentially players, akin to the Herschel Walker trade that reshaped the Cowboys in the ‘90s. The recent Myles Garrett extension (rumored at $40 million AAV) further elevates Parsons’ market, as teams trading for him would also need to pay a record-breaking contract, likely north of $40-45 million annually.
Given the Cowboys’ situation—coming off a poor 2024 season, with significant cap space tied to Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb—a trade isn’t unthinkable, though the team is reportedly leaning toward an extension. If they did move him, a realistic trade package might look like:
- Two to three first-round picks: Reflecting his elite status and the premium on pass rushers.
- A mid-round pick (e.g., a third or fourth): Adding depth to the deal.
- Possibly a young player: A starter or high-upside prospect to offset losing Parsons’ immediate impact.
For example, a team like the Detroit Lions or Baltimore Ravens, both playoff contenders needing defensive juice, might offer two first-rounders, a third, and a role player. The exact value would depend on the acquiring team’s desperation, draft capital, and willingness to pay Parsons’ next contract. Posts on X and web discussions float ideas like pairing him with Travis Hunter plus a second-rounder, but that’s speculative and less grounded than pick-based projections.
In short, Micah Parsons’ trade value would likely start at two first-round picks and climb to three, plus additional assets, making him one of the most expensive players ever moved in NFL history—assuming the Cowboys entertain the idea.
