Lions' chances of upsetting Packers in Week 1 are tumbling after latest rumor

The Green Bay Packers are rumored to have major interest in Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons, and that does not bode well for the Detroit Lions' chances of beating them at Lambeau Field in Week 1 of the 2025 season.

Parsons, who recently requested a trade from the only team he's ever played for, is a two-time first team All-Pro, a former Defensive Rookie of the Year, and a multi-time Pro Bowler. At just 26 years old, he's one of the most lethal pass rushers in the NFL, having stacked up 12 sacks in just 13 games played in 2024.

He'd be a huge issue for a Lions offensive line that's going to need some time to gel with one another after some drastic changes to its personnel. Rookie Tate Ratledge is starting at right guard, and Graham Glasgow is being asked to step in to replace the irreplaceable Frank Ragnow at center.

Pass protection for Jared Goff is going to be huge for the Lions' ability to continue on the right path towards a Super Bowl and contention in general, and getting a potential test Week 1 like Parsons against that pass protection is such a blow to that momentum.

Lions are in for a rude awakening if Packers trade for Parsons

This rumored trade, which has been fanned by folks spanning from the Packers' sideline reporter to a Packers podcast host who has allegedly "heard things," hasn't hit the wire just yet.

It's a trade that would make sense for both sides, as Green Bay is looking to throw their contention window wide open and Dallas is likely seeking some good player + pick compensation for the trouble of letting Parsons go. As FanSided's Freddie Boston of Lombardi Ave. puts it:

"Beyond that, it's all speculation, especially the Packers' potential interest. There's no concrete reporting that Green Bay has explored the possibility of a trade.

But, hey, where there's smoke, there's fire, right? GM Brian Gutekunst kicked off the offseason by discussing the need for urgency, and it doesn't get much more urgent than bringing one of the league's best pass-rushers to Green Bay. It would transform the Packers' defense and launch them into the Super Bowl conversation."

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With no moves on the horizon for Detroit to shore up their offensive line further, it's hard to imagine a world where a Parsons trade doesn't impact their standing in the NFC North. With many already predicting they are unseated in the division by Green Bay, this is a move that would push them right over the edge and into a true battle for first place.

Of course, there's been no concrete word on whether Green Bay is actually trying hard for Parsons right now. This is pure speculation, and trolling, from some of the Packers media. Let's hope it stays that way - purely speculative.

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