Eagles tried to trade for Parsons, sources say

The Philadelphia Eagles made a serious attempt to trade for Micah Parsons this summer, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. They contacted the Dallas Cowboys to negotiate a deal, but the Cowboys refused to trade the two-time All-Pro pass rusher, especially to their division rival.

After failing to agree on a long-term contract with Parsons, the Cowboys ultimately traded him to the Green Bay Packers last week. The Packers signed Parsons to a record-breaking four-year, $188 million deal, which includes $120 million fully guaranteed at signing and $136 million in total guarantees, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Despite their intense rivalry, the Eagles and Cowboys have engaged in significant trades before, such as during the 2021 NFL draft when Philadelphia moved up to select wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Dallas then picked Parsons with the 12th selection. Acquiring Parsons would have significantly strengthened the Eagles' defense, which was already one of the league's best last season.

A trade to the Eagles would have also represented a homecoming for Parsons, who was born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and was a college star at Penn State. However, despite his Pennsylvania roots, Parsons grew up as a Cowboys fan and always wanted to play for Dallas, according to his agent.

The Cowboys traded Parsons to the Packers in exchange for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and first-round picks in 2026 and 2027. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stated that the trade would improve the team's chances of success in the coming years. The Eagles and Cowboys are set to face each other in the NFL regular-season opener on Thursday night.