Shocking Trade Proposal Has Lions Trading 3-Time Pro Bowler, Draft Haul for Cowboys Superstar Micah Parsons

The Cowboys are heavily invested in winning now, with major contracts already committed to Dak Prescott ($240 million) and CeeDee Lamb ($136 million). Because of that, any deal for Parsons would almost certainly need to include a proven defensive playmaker, plus significant draft capital. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently valued Parsons at a minimum of two first-round selections, suggesting that anything less wouldn’t even start a conversation.

Parsons is expected to command a record-setting extension, likely from Dallas before the season begins. But if the Cowboys decide they can’t afford three market-defining deals at quarterback, wide receiver, and edge rusher simultaneously, moving Parsons could be on the table.

One proposed path for Detroit would be to bring back three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Za’Darius Smith in free agency, then package him with two first-rounders and a second-round pick to Dallas. That type of offer could be strong enough to tempt Jones into parting with his defensive centerpiece.

Parsons + Hutchinson = NFL’s Scariest Duo?

It’s a steep price, but Parsons’ résumé speaks for itself. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first four NFL seasons, earned All-Pro honors three times, and finished top three in Defensive Player of the Year voting three different times. Pairing him with Aidan Hutchinson could give Detroit arguably the most dangerous pass-rushing tandem in football for years to come.

Za’Darius Smith’s Value in the Deal

Smith, whom Detroit traded for last season, remains a disruptive force even at 32. He generated 63 quarterback pressures (10th-most in the NFL) and 10 sacks in 2024, per Pro Football Focus. General manager Brad Holmes has kept the door open to re-signing him, and a short-term deal would make him a valuable trade chip to send back to Dallas as Parsons’ replacement.

Financially, the Lions are in position to make this move. They currently hold more than $48 million in cap space and could easily take on Parsons’ projected $24 million salary for 2025.

In short, it would take a massive investment for Detroit to pry Parsons away from the Cowboys — but if it happens, the Lions could instantly field the league’s most intimidating edge-rush pairing.