What the Micah Parsons trade actually means for the Commanders

The Dallas Cowboys shook up the NFL by trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. What impact does that have for the Washington Commanders?

Aug 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons (11) looks on before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

There have been a ton of moves made across the NFL this week with teams narrowing their rosters down to 53 men.

The Washington Commanders, in the midst of cuts, were also able to nail down star wide receiver Terry McLaurin on a contract extension, and also recently learned they aren't going to have to face one of the NFL's elite pass rushers twice a year.

On Thursday, the Commanders' NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, broke the headlines as it was announced they were trading star linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers for two first-round picks and DT Kenny Clark. Following the trade, Parsons reached a four-year, $188 million deal with $136 million guaranteed to make him the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history.

Here's what it means for the Commanders.

Bye Bye, Parsons

Nov 24, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) talks with Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during an injury timeout for Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Parsons publicly requested a trade weeks ago amid a contract dispute with the Cowboys. It seemed as if his scenario would play out similarly to McLaurin's, however, that wasn't the case as he did end up being dealt to Green Bay.

Parsons, a two-time First-Team All-Pro and only 26 years old, has terrorized the Commanders and the NFC East for four years since coming out of Penn State, and now will test out his luck in the NFC North on a contending team.

The Commanders would usually face off against Parsons twice a year with him being in Dallas. Now in Green Bay, that worry is gone for the forseeable future, albeit they will have to game plan for him when they play the Packers in Week 2 from Lambeau.

How the Micah Parsons trade effects Commanders

Parsons has seen success against the Commanders, totaling 32 tackles, 10.5 sacks (1.3 per game), and a forced fumble while going 6-2 through eight games, so it will be a welcome sight not having to play him twice a season.

The Parsons trade caused shocked waves across the NFL and drastically changed the outlook for both the Packers and Cowboys. The Cowboys undoubtedly will not be the same team in 2025 without Parsons and could be looking at a high draft pick in 2026 because of it.

The Commanders won't complain about the trade in the slightest, as any NFC East team getting weaker only works in their favor.

READ MORE: Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt makes bold jersey number switch

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