Introduction to the Trade
Micah Parsons might spend the rest of his career chasing Caleb Williams. Which is very bad news for the Bears. The Cowboys agreed to trade their star defensive end to the Packers on Thursday and will sign him to a contract that will pay $62 million in Year 1 and $120 million fully guaranteed, per ESPN. Both are NFL records for non-quarterbacks.
Details of the Trade
In return, the Bears’ rivals are trading three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round draft picks. The trade ends a standoff between Parsons and the Cowboys that turned nasty, with owner Jerry Jones saying he agreed to a deal with the player but Parsons saying he needed to work with his agent. “I never wanted this chapter to end, but not everything was in my control,” Parsons said in a statement. “My heart has always been here, and it still is. Through it all, I never made any demands. I never asked for anything more than fairness. I only asked that the person I trust to negotiate my contract be part of the process.”
Impact on the Bears
For the Bears, it’s the worst landing spot possible. Parsons gives the Packers a star pass rusher they’ve been lacking in recent years. An NFC North that was the best division in football last year only got stronger. In four years, Parsons totaled 52 1/2 sacks, four Pro Bowl nods and two first-team all-NFL honors. He’s recovered four fumbles, one for a touchdown.
Comparison to Previous Trades
The trade echoes the mega-deal the Bears made on Labor Day weekend seven years ago when they traded for star edge rusher Khalil Mack. In a deal that netted them draft picks who became tight end Cole Kmet and tackle Arlington Hambright, the Bears traded a first-round pick in 2019 (running back Josh Jacobs) and 2020 (cornerback Damon Arnette), a 2019 sixth-rounder (cornerback Blessuan Austin at No. 196, who went to the Jets) and a 2020 third-rounder (receiver Bryan Edwards). Of the group, only Jacobs went on to sustained NFL success. He made three Pro Bowls and is now the starting running back for the same Packers.
Previous Experience with Star Players
The Bears gave Mack a six-year, $141 million extension, which was briefly the record for a defensive player. They won the NFC North with him in his first year but didn’t win a playoff game during his stay. They dealt him to the Chargers for a second-round pick and a sixth-round pick in 2022, two months after general manager Ryan Poles took control of the team.
Current Team Dynamics
He’s eligible to return after at least four games. The Bears might have been the least resilient team in the NFL last year. Coach Ben Johnson spent training camp trying to change that.
Other Relevant News
Illinois, Northwestern and Notre Dame also are on the Week 1 picks list.
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