Troy Aikman Finally Settles Micah Parsons–Herschel Walker Trade Comparisons Ahead of Packers DE’s Return

The Cowboys in the late ’80s and the Cowboys now are two totally different stories. Sure, they weren’t winning Super Bowls back then, and they’re not winning them now either. But before Jimmy Johnson showed up, that team was flat-out ugly. Fast forward to today, Brian Schottenheimer is leading Dallas. Dak Prescott’s under centre. And the Cowboys are hoping for a postseason run.

Whether that actually happens is another conversation. But the one thing tying that late ’80s Cowboys to today’s version? A blockbuster veteran trade. Back then, it was Herschel Walker. Now, it’s Micah Parsons. Which naturally raises a question: Is it fair to compare these two blockbuster trades? Troy Aikman doesn’t think so.

“I don’t think it’s an apples-to-apples comparison talking about the Herschel trade versus the Micah Parsons trade,” Aikman said in a conversation with The Musers. “I think those are two totally different situations, and how, you know, how they have to be looked at that.”

Back in 1989, Dallas traded Walker to the Vikings for a total of five players and six future draft picks. That allowed Johnson to establish the Cowboys’ dynasty. Fast forward to today, and Jerry Jones tried to mimic the act once again. He sent Micah away in exchange for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round draft picks.

Ever since, talk of those two trades has kept swirling. But let’s break down why Aikman isn’t buying the comparison.

• Team context: Walker was traded when Dallas was a 1–15 disaster. Meanwhile, Parsons moved while the Cowboys were still playoff contenders in the Dak Prescott era.
• Trade structure: Walker’s deal was an 18-player, pick-heavy mega-trade. Parsons brought back two first-rounders and Kenny Clark: A much smaller, simpler package.
• Player impact: Walker’s picks built Dallas’ dynasty (Walker himself produced limited long-term team success for Minnesota). Parsons, meanwhile, was already an All-Pro & 4x Pro Bowler. Plus, his departure immediately created a defensive gap rather than fueling a rebuild. (Honourable mention: Russell Wilson torching their defense while throwing for 450 yards).
• Strategic differences: In 1989, Johnson cut or flipped the players he got to collect Minnesota’s conditional picks. For Dallas, it was a smart cap-to-picks move that built stars like Darren Woodson. On the other side, Parsons’ trade was a straightforward player-for-picks-plus-player deal, driven by contract issues and roster needs, not a pre-planned strategy to convert talent into long-term draft capital.