Jerry Jones Inserted 'Genius' Clause Into Micah Parsons Trade

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Nov 9, 2025 3:22 PM ET

When Jerry Jones decided to trade away Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in a blockbuster move earlier this August, he reportedly did so with the understanding that he would never have to see the two-time All-Pro suit up for one of his most-hated rivals.

The Cowboys sent Parsons to the Frozen Tundra in exchange for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and a package of picks that they mostly gave away to acquire Quinnen Williams at the deadline.

But unbeknownst to those outside of the negotiating room, the Dallas owner reportedly added a "poison pill" condition to ensure that the Packers couldn't send Micah to the Philadelphia Eagles any time in the immediate future.

Sep 11, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) reacts in the first quarter against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Micah Parsons 'poison pill' explained

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN: "The previously unreported condition states that if the Packers decide to trade Parsons to a team in the NFC East — the Eagles tried to trade for him in the summer before being rebuffed — then Green Bay would owe Dallas its 2028 first-round draft pick."

"League sources said these 'poison pill' conditions clearly were put into place to block Parsons from winding up in Philadelphia, not far from where he grew up and one day wanted to play," the NFL insider added.

Noting, "The 'poison pill' conditions apply to this season and 2026, according to sources, meaning the Packers don't have a clear path to trade Parsons to another NFC East team until 2027 at the earliest."

ESPN Sources: Micah Parsons’ trade to the Packers included a poison pill that the Cowboys inserted to block a deal in the near future to the Eagles. pic.twitter.com/S4mjfM7CpQ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 9, 2025

Fans applauding the Cowboys owner's move

"This is so funny," Jack Fritz commented.

"This is the smartest thing they’ve done in years. Chess not checkers," a user said.

"This is lowkey revolutionary & I won’t be surprised if other teams start doing the same," another replied.

"Jerry always being petty but overall smart business move here," a fan posted.

"Cowboys really said, 'If we can’t have him, Philly definitely can’t either.' ... Classic NFC East drama," another person laughed.

Ironically, the Packers made a similar move when they traded Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre to the Jets back in 2008 so that he couldn't return and haunt them as a member of the Minnesota Vikings — something he would go on to do anyway.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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