The Green Bay Packers acquired Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys before the start of the 2025 season, with Green Bay sending their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks along with defensive tackle Kenny Clark to Dallas in exchange. It was an all-in move, and Parsons delivered in his first season in green and gold.
In 14 games, he recorded 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 19 solo tackles, earning first-team All-Pro honors for the third time in his career. But in December, Parsons tore his ACL in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos, ending what had been one of the best seasons of his NFL career. He underwent surgery on Dec. 29 and was in the training facility for rehab about a week later.
Speaking to the media in January, Parsons was candid about his timeline. “I don’t think I’ll be on IR to start the season. I think lofty, I’d be saying Week 1. But, realistically, probably like Week 3 or Week 4.”
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Even rehabbing a torn ACL, Parsons has remained actively engaged with what’s happening around the league. On Thursday, during an appearance on Bleacher Report’s NFL Draft live show ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, the 26-year-old had plenty to say about the New York Giants’ offseason moves, with Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers sitting right next to him.
“Are we really surprised about the Giants and their track record?” Parsons said. “I mean, they just let player after player go, greatness after greatness… I don’t know why they want draft picks, they are not very good with draft picks either… Besides you [Malik Nabers] and my guy from Penn State, Abdul, who have they really hit on in the last four or five years? That’s the reason why their record is their record. I don’t get it bro. Between Saquon [Barkley], who you spend the No. 2 pick on, Dexter Lawrence, who they spent the No. 13 pick on.”
Giants Traded Dexter Lawrence for the 10th Overall Pick
Lawrence, a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time second-team All-Pro, had requested a trade after his camp and the franchise reached an impasse over a new contract. The Cincinnati Bengals were quick to pounce, trading the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for Lawrence while signing him to a one-year, $28 million extension.
Armed with two picks in the top 10, the Giants used the No. 5 selection on Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and the No. 10 pick, acquired in the Lawrence deal, on Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa. Both picks drew largely positive reviews, but whether they pan out is a question only time can answer. And for Parsons, that’s exactly the point.
As for the Packers, they sat out Round 1 entirely Thursday night due to Dallas owning their 2026 first-round pick, which became No. 20 overall. Parsons signed a four-year, $188 million extension upon arrival, with $136 million guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at $47 million per year.
