Jets Have Trade Price For Cowboys’ Micah Parsons

The recent turn of events regarding Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys has sent ripples throughout the National Football League, captivating the attention of fans, analysts, and opposing front offices alike. The star edge rusher, arguably one of the most dominant defensive players in the game today, has publicly expressed his desire to be traded, citing a breakdown in contract negotiations with the Cowboys.¹ This bombshell announcement, delivered directly by Parsons via social media, has ignited speculation about potential landing spots and the colossal trade package it would take to pry him away from Dallas.² Among the teams frequently mentioned in such discussions, the New York Jets stand out, given their clear need for a game-wrecking defensive presence and their relatively strong financial standing and draft capital. However, the path to acquiring a player of Parsons’ caliber is fraught with complexity, involving not only immense trade compensation but also the commitment to a record-breaking contract extension.³

Micah Parsons’ value is undeniable. Since entering the league as the 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, he has been a disruptive force, tallying an impressive 52.5 sacks in just four seasons, with at least 12 sacks in each of those years.⁴ This remarkable consistency places him in elite company, a testament to his unique blend of speed, power, and relentless motor. He is a four-time Pro Bowler, a two-time First-Team All-Pro, and a constant threat to opposing offenses, capable of single-handedly altering the trajectory of a game.⁵ His current contract, the final year of his rookie deal, is set to pay him $24.007 million in 2025, a figure far below his market value.⁶ The desire for a long-term extension, one that would likely push his average annual value north of $40 million, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, is at the heart of the current standoff with the Cowboys.

The Cowboys, for their part, have publicly downplayed the trade request, with owner Jerry Jones dismissing it as part of the negotiation process.⁷ Jones, no stranger to public contract disputes with star players, has indicated that the team has no intention of trading Parsons, believing they had an “agreement” on a contract framework in the spring, which Parsons disputes.⁸ This disagreement over the nature of past discussions, with Parsons claiming the Cowboys refused to negotiate with his agent, has escalated the situation to a highly public and potentially damaging impasse.⁹ While Parsons remains at training camp, avoiding daily fines, the underlying tension is palpable, and the question of whether this is merely a negotiation tactic or a genuine desire to move on looms large.¹⁰

For any team considering a trade for Parsons, the financial implications are as significant as the draft capital. Not only would a team need to surrender a king’s ransom in picks and potentially players, but they would also immediately be faced with the task of signing Parsons to a mega-extension. His projected asking price of over $40 million per year would require substantial salary cap flexibility, and only a handful of teams possess that kind of space without making significant roster adjustments. The Jets, with approximately $29.624 million in 2025 cap space, according to recent reports, are among those with the financial wherewithal to accommodate such a deal, especially with quarterback Drake Maye still on his rookie contract.¹¹ This financial runway makes them a more plausible suitor than many other interested parties.

The theoretical trade price for Parsons would be astronomical. Experts and insiders have suggested a package equivalent to at least three first-round picks, or a combination of multiple first-rounders and established, quality players.¹² Comparisons are often drawn to the Khalil Mack trade in 2018, where the Raiders sent Mack to the Bears for two first-round picks, a third, and a sixth-round pick.¹³ Given Parsons’ age (26), his consistent elite production, and his position as a premier pass rusher in a league increasingly dominated by quarterback play, his price tag could easily exceed that benchmark. The Jets, possessing their first and second-round picks in each of the next three years, do have the draft capital to engage in such a conversation.¹⁴

One intriguing trade proposal circulating in the media suggests the Jets could offer running back Breece Hall, defensive end Jermaine Johnson, a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2028 third-round pick for Parsons.¹⁵ This proposal, put forth by an insider covering the Jets, highlights the creative avenues teams might explore to avoid surrendering their most valuable first-round selections. Breece Hall, a dynamic young running back, and Jermaine Johnson, a promising defensive end who made the Pro Bowl two years ago, would offer the Cowboys two talented, cost-controlled players at positions of potential need.¹⁶ Johnson, in particular, has a connection to the Cowboys’ defensive line coach, Aaron Whitecotton, who previously coached with the Jets, adding another layer of intrigue to the proposed deal.¹⁷ While losing Hall would be a blow to the Jets’ offense, their depth at running back with Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis could mitigate the impact. Similarly, while Johnson is not Parsons, he is a solid contributor who could continue to develop, and the Cowboys would also bolster their defensive line with his presence alongside other promising young players.

However, the question remains whether the Cowboys would accept such a package without a first-round pick. Jerry Jones has historically been reluctant to part with elite talent, particularly when that talent is as marketable and impactful as Parsons.¹⁸ The optics of trading a generational player for anything less than multiple first-rounders could be a tough sell to a demanding fanbase, especially when the team’s ultimate goal is a Super Bowl. Moreover, the Cowboys might view the franchise tag as a powerful leverage tool, allowing them to retain Parsons for at least two more seasons at projected prices of $26.5 million in 2026 and $31.8 million in 2027, should a long-term deal not materialize. This level of control significantly diminishes Parsons’ immediate leverage in forcing a trade.

The Jets’ motivation to acquire Parsons is clear: to solidify their defense as an undeniable force and potentially push them into legitimate contention. Adding Parsons alongside interior lineman Quinnen Williams and other promising edge rushers like Will McDonald would create a nightmarish scenario for opposing offensive lines. This kind of defensive dominance, reminiscent of the peak Rex Ryan-era Jets, could compensate for any lingering inconsistencies on the offensive side of the ball, particularly with a talented but sometimes erratic quarterback in Justin Fields. The philosophical shift towards building a dominant defense under new head coach Aaron Glenn could make such a bold move palatable for the Jets’ front office, even if it involves a substantial investment.

Ultimately, the situation is a delicate dance between player, agent, and organization. Parsons is pushing for a market-setting contract that reflects his status as one of the NFL’s premier defenders.¹⁹ The Cowboys, while acknowledging his value, appear to be playing hardball, potentially believing they have more leverage due to his contract situation and the availability of franchise tags. The Jets, and other interested teams, are observing closely, undoubtedly formulating their own internal valuations and potential trade scenarios. While a trade remains a challenging proposition, the very public nature of Parsons’ request and the apparent breakdown in communication with the Cowboys have opened a window, however small, for a blockbuster move that could reshape the defensive landscape of the NFL. The price for Micah Parsons is steep, undeniably so, but for a team desperate to elevate its status and acquire a transcendent talent, it might just be a price worth paying. The coming weeks, as training camp progresses and the regular season draws nearer, will reveal whether this standoff is resolved internally or if one of the NFL’s biggest stars finds a new home.