Micah Parsons was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. The linebacker/defensive end was a force from the get-go, racking up 13 sacks, 64 solo tackles, 20 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles en route to Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
In the following two seasons, Parsons racked up 13.5 and 14 sacks without missing a game. Last season, he only played 13 games yet still amassed 12 sacks. Reggie White is the only other player to rack up at least 12 sacks in each of the first four seasons of a career.
There is no question that Parsons is one of the preeminent pass rushers in the game and, like Reggie White, will now join the Green Bay Packers after a trade was consummated on Thursday.
Dallas will receive two first-round picks and DT Kenny Clark, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
Last season, the Packers defense ranked sixth in points allowed and fifth in yards. The unit amassed 45 sacks, tied for the eighth-most while blitzing at the second-lowest rate. Per Next Gen Stats, the pass defense had the third-lowest EPA per dropback at -0.11. Only the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos were better.
The Dallas Cowboys were tops in hurry and pressure rate last season. Green Bay was 13th in hurry rate and 16th in pressure rate. With Parsons, there’s a good chance the Packers get into the top 5 for both while Dallas will likely plummet.
The Packers offense was eighth in points and fifth in yards last season.
Green Bay is one of the most balanced teams in the NFL and a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Per DraftKings Sportsbook, Green Bay is currently +1400 to win the Super Bowl. Prior to the Parsons trade, Green Bay was +1800. Only Buffalo, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Kansas City have lower odds.
