The Dallas Cowboys pulled out all the stops to keep star player Micah Parsons from joining their division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, or any other NFC East team. But here’s the twist: they included a unique trade condition to make it happen.
In a surprising move, the Cowboys traded Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in August, but with a catch. According to ESPN, the Cowboys included a ‘poison pill’ clause in the trade, stating that the Packers would forfeit their 2028 first-round draft pick if they trade Parsons to an NFC East team before the 2026 season. This strategic move ensured that Parsons wouldn’t bolster the Eagles or any other nearby competitor.
Interestingly, the Cowboys weren’t the only ones with this condition. ESPN further revealed that if the Packers traded defensive tackle Kenny Clark to an NFC North team during the same period, they would receive a 2028 first-round pick from the Cowboys. This two-way condition adds an intriguing layer to the trade.
The Eagles were reportedly keen on acquiring Parsons and even offered a more attractive deal than the Packers. FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer claimed that Philadelphia was prepared to give up two first-round picks, a third, a fifth, and more. However, the Cowboys had other plans, preferring to send Parsons to an AFC team instead of their division rivals.
The trade eventually saw Parsons join the Packers in exchange for two first-round picks (2026 and 2027) and Kenny Clark. The Cowboys might even trade one of those picks, as they recently agreed to send a 2027 first-round pick to the New York Jets for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. The Jets will receive the higher of the two first-round picks from Dallas and Green Bay.
This type of trade condition isn’t entirely new. When the Packers traded Brett Favre to the Jets in 2008, they included a similar clause, ensuring the Jets would lose three first-round picks if Favre was traded to an NFC North team.
With Parsons’ impressive performance this season, racking up 20 tackles and 6.5 sacks in eight games, it’s unlikely the Packers will trade him anytime soon. They even rewarded him with a record-breaking extension, making Parsons the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a four-year, $186 million contract.
And this is where it gets controversial: Was this trade condition necessary, or did it go too far? Some might argue it’s a strategic move to protect the team’s interests, while others may see it as a drastic measure. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!