Parsons and the Packers agreed to a four-year extension worth $188 million as part of a sign-and-trade deal. The new contract will include an NFL record $120 million in guaranteed money at signing ($136 million guaranteed overall), making Parsons the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
In return, the Cowboys are receiving two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
The three-time All-Pro and former Defensive Rookie of the Year has posted at least 12 sacks in all four seasons he's been in the league. Parsons missed some four weeks last season after dealing with a high ankle sprain, finishing with 43 tackles, 23 quarterback hits, 12 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks.
Dallas selected Parsons with the 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and has since established himself as arguably the best edge rusher in all of football, now becoming a drastic upgrade for an already solid Green Bay Packers defence.
However, their defence ranked 21st last season in gaining pressure on the quarterback last season. Now, they just acquired the guy who has led the league in pressures since 2021.
Clark is a three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle who spent all nine seasons of his career as a member of the Packers. Around 2018, Clark was considered one of the best interior defensive linemen in the entire league.
Unfortunately, he's coming off a season with a career low in stats across the board. Both his 37 tackles and four quarterback hits last year were the fewest since his rookie year. However, his run defence grade (67.4) is the highest it's been since 2019.
Clark is under contract through the 2027 season.
The Cowboys kick off their season on September 4th against the Philadelphia Eagles, while the Green Bay Packers will face the Detroit Lions on September 7th.
After Terry McLaurin was able to reach a new contract with the Washington Commanders, and Trey Hendrickson with the Cincinnati Bengals, Parsons was the one left out and is now heading to another team.