Micah Parsons has been one of the most explosive multi-faceted defensive stars at the NFL position for quite some time now. While the Dallas Cowboys would be taking an astronomical amount of risk cutting him, there are only a minuscule handful of franchises presenting compelling trade candidacy arguments. For reasons of necessity, window, or scheme fit, the following franchises are most prominent.
Washington Commanders
Why It Makes Sense:
Parsons visiting with an adversary going the opposite direction? Bold—but far from unimaginable. The Commanders are just starting to develop something behind the lead of Dan Quinn, Parsons’ former boss at Dallas. A return to his former defensive coordinator would unlock Parsons’ talents behind an ideal system for him. A new quarterback looming with Jayden Daniels and an overmatched line reconstructing from the loss of Chase Young and Montez Sweat, Parsons would provide Washington an identity at defense and an aggressive pass rush lacking for as long as 2022.
Kansas City Chiefs
Why It Makes Sense:
Two-time Super Bowl winners are far from mediocre at anything, but Parsons would take already great defense and make it all but unstoppable. Spagnuolo could match Parsons up all along the line and create mismatches and madness next to Jones and Karlaftis. You’ve got Patrick Mahomes to match up at the ball, though, and Kansas City can be aggressive with picks—and drafting Parsons would be an all-in “win now and pay down the line” move.
Los Angeles Chargers
Why It Makes Sense:
Chargers’ new head man Jim Harbaugh wants to provide an old-school rugged, physical mentality, and Parsons would be the ideal tone-setter. Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack are both over the hill and fighting injuries, and Parsons would provide L.A. with an anchor at edge rusher going forward. The Chargers desperately need defense, and the signing of Parsons would both shake up the script around on a club better at blowing leads than closing games.
Chicago Bears
Why It Makes Sense:
Chicago has assembled an impressive defense foundation all on its own but has yet to find the playkiller. Parsons would be him. In combination with Montez Sweat, Tremaine Edmunds, and Jaylon Johnson, it’s one darn good front seven to match all NFC visitors. The Bears can afford junior money on Caleb Williams and they have the cap flexibility and urgency to take an aggressive swing.
Detroit Lions
Why It Makes Sense: This may be the most frightening destination of them all. The Lions already have one of the best young rosters in the NFL. Throw Parsons into the mix with Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill, and Detroit now has one of the most feared defense lineups of all time. Dan Campbell would be a giant fan of Parsons’ toughness, and the Lions made all those picks and cap flexibility at them and can pay him and keep the core intact.
Final Thoughts
Micah Parsons can turn one of those rosters Super Bowl material in an instant. From being back with a former coaching mentor at Washington to being part of an already established dynasty at Kansas City or being the centerpiece of an upswing contender at Detroit or at Chicago, all of those cities have the setup—and reasoning—to make an all-star trade.