- - Micah Parsons trade: Cowboys added provision preventing Packers from trading star back to NFC East

Chris Cwik November 9, 2025 at 10:56 PM

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The Dallas Cowboys found one more way to stick it to Micah Parsons on his way out the door. The team reportedly included a poison-pill condition into its trade with the Green Bay Packers, preventing the team from trading Parsons back to the NFC East for a few years, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

That condition — which wasn't reported at the time of the trade — prevents the Packers from sending Parsons to any NFC East team through the 2026 NFL season. If the Packers decide to trade Parsons back into the NFC East before then, the team would give its 2028 first-round pick to the Cowboys.

Some around the league were unaware of that condition, which only came to light when the Cowboys decided to trade for New York Jets defensive end Quinnen Williams. An NFL database that tracks draft picks listed the Cowboys' 2028 first-round pick as off-limits. Other teams noticed that at the trade deadline, leading to Schefter's report.

The Packers' 2028 first-round pick was also off-limits. Green Bay reportedly added the same poison-pill provision to the deal, preventing the Cowboys from trading defensive tackle Kenny Clark back to the NFC North.

While it feels unlikely that the Packers would turn around and trade Parsons after giving up two first-round picks and Clark — especially after the Packers then signed Parsons to a four-year, $188 million deal — the poison-pill condition prevents Parsons from forcing the issue. There's no evidence Parsons would do that so soon after being traded by the Cowboys.

Still, the Cowboys weren't willing to take that chance. The team was likely motivated to include that poison-pill provision into the trade after the Philadelphia Eagles were aggressive in their pursuit of Parsons. In addition to that, Parsons grew up near Philadelphia and reportedly wants to play there eventually, per Schefter.

Both teams are set to meet in Week 10. The Packers and Eagles will square off on "Monday Night Football." Both clubs are among the best teams in the NFC, ensuring it should be a tight matchup.

Parsons has been a massive addition for the Packers. Through eight games, he's registered 6.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hits. He's well on his way to yet another Pro Bowl season, and is a big reason the Packers rank in the top 10 of points allowed.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, find themselves sitting at 3-5-1 through nine weeks and rank 31st in points allowed.

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Source: “AOL Sports”