The Dallas Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in August last year, making waves across the NFL community. Now, with the 2026 season beginning, many are wondering if the Cowboys are regretting that decision.

Analyst and Cowboys fan Skip Bayless seems to still be staunchly in favor of the trade. During a recent appearance on The Arena: Gridiron, the topic of discussion turned to Stephen Jones’ take a year after trading Parsons.

Upon being asked if he agreed with this opinion, Skip Bayless spoke about his observations related to the last four Cowboys playoffs that he had analyzed.

“We came very close to paying Micah $50 million a year. It's not worth it. I'd rather have the 5 players that we have now. I went through 4 playoff games with Micah and he NO SHOWED in 3 of them,” said Bayless.

He pointed out that Parsons had gotten a sack in at the last moment of the fourth playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making it his only sack in four playoffs. Bayless reiterated that he didn’t feel that lone moment of brilliance was worth $50M. 

Bayless also referred to his longstanding issue with Micah Parsons, which was that the player apparently cared more about his online presence than his achievements in the field.

He noted that Parsons had been chastised by fellow teammates DeMarcus Lawrence and Malik Hooker for the same reason.

Jones had called Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark “alpha players” and stated that they had the “right pieces in place”. He added that they believed that one player wasn’t worth multiple good ones, referring to the $40.5M they would have had to pay Parsons annually.

Bayless agreed that Williams and Clark were “anchors” that the Cowboys needed, and said he would rather get three new players with the salary cap space created with Parsons’ exit from the franchise.

Jones told Mad Dog Sports Radio that he respected Micah’s playing style and his caliber as a football player. However, the Cowboys were happy with what they had gained in return. 

Who did the Dallas Cowboys Get After Trading Micah Parsons?

In exchange for Parsons, Dallas gained defensive tackle Kenny Clark, along with draft picks in 2026 and 2027. This added advantage was pivotal for moving up to No. 11 overall pick from No. 12, and allowed them to add safety Caleb Downs to their roster in Round 1.

Dallas also traded down their No. 20 pick to Philadelphia for the No. 23 overall pick, snagging edge rusher Malachi Lawrence. The franchise selected cornerback Devin Moore, linebacker Jaishawn Barham, and wide receiver Anthony Smith from the draft class.

On The Arena: Gridiron, Bayless hoped that Malachi Lawrence would be able to give the Cowboys “some Micah Parsons.” If the rookie can match up to Micah Parsons to some degree, the team's WR needs would be adequately met. 

The Cowboys also signed Quinnen Williams late in 2025, further bolstering their defensive line. They made only two offensive picks this year, including George Pickens (WR) and rookie OT Drew Shelton.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Arundhoti Palit

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit