What Micah Parsons Trade Means for Detroit Lions

Are Packers the favorite now in the NFC North?

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons (11) reacts after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Things have drastically changed in the NFC North, and the pathway to win the division again for the Detroit Lions has become quite difficult.

The Green Bay Packers have reportedly acquired outside linebacker Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys, agreeing to pay him a four-year, $188 million contract that includes $136 million in guaranteed dollars.

Dallas reportedly received defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks in return for the All-Pro.

For Detroit, the team has won the division in back-to-back seasons, but the Packers are now that much more formidable of an opponent.

Detroit's offensive line is revamped, and now must deal with a player that recorded 12 sacks last season. In addition, he has recorded 52.5 sacks since 2021.

Also, Aidan Hutchinson is now in a position to receive a massive contract extension.

Parsons is reportedly set to earn a contract worth $47 million annually.

Could Hutchinson want to reset the market yet again?

Detroit's former No. 2 overall pick is poised now to become one of the highest-paid defensive ends in the league. General manager Brad Holmes indicated the talks with the former Michigan Wolverines defender are still a priority for the team.

Lions' Super Bowl confidence

Holmes was asked at his recent media session why he felt the Lions were a team that could compete for the Super Bowl.

"I just think the message and the continuity has never changed, and I think all the players and the whole organization understands what the mission is, like you said, and what the message is. It’s that, continue to get better, it’s onward, you’ve got to keep putting the work in. And I do think in terms of a team standpoint, I think we’re at a point with the roster that we can compete. I like our depth, I think we have really good skill players," said Holmes. "I think our quarterback is playing at a really, really high level. I know we have a new offensive coordinator, but the defensive coordinator’s not a new face.

"And as long as Dan (Campbell)’s here, I’ve got total faith in the direction of the team. I think with all those components – at the end of the day, we have really good ownership. It all comes down – it starts at the very top. And I know everybody says that all the time, but it literally does. We’re just led in the right direction from the very top with the support that we have, and it’s a pure trickle-down effect. So, I feel great with where we’re going.”