Teams to watch if Cowboys actually trade Micah Parsons

The relationship between Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys is severed to the point the two-time first-team All-Pro publicly requested a trade. In response, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones brushed the request off as simply something that can happen during a contract negotiation. 

While it's unlikely Parsons is actually sent out of Dallas, there will be no shortage of interested suitors if he's actually made available. But since the trade request is out there, it's time to speculate on which teams make sense as possible new destinations for Parsons.

Las Vegas Raiders 

Sitting almost $40M under the salary cap, the Raiders have plenty of room to add to their team. The hiring of Pete Carroll along with the addition of Geno Smith has sent a clear message Las Vegas is tired of rebuilding and is planning on trying to win right now. 

The Raiders do have defensive end Maxx Crosby as their leader of the defense, but he's been far from enough on his own in recent years. 

Based on their desire to win, there's almost no good reason for the Raiders to not pursue Parsons. 

Chicago Bears 

Desperate to take another step in 2025, the Bears could be willing to do whatever it takes to transform into an instant contender. 

Heading into Caleb Williams' second season, acquiring an elite pass rusher like Parsons would do wonders for shoring up the defensive side of ball and taking pressure off the offense as they look to continue their progression. 

Chicago is also expected to have eight draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, providing it the assets to make a blockbuster trade possible. 

Carolina Panthers

Even though Parsons would likely prefer to play for a playoff team, the Panthers have shown a willingness to try and change their fortunes this offseason. They tried, and failed, to trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf or sign defensive tackle Milton Williams. 

They have about $19M in salary cap space and could be willing to award Parsons with the money he's seeking in an effort to become relevant. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield's career resurgence has made the Buccaneers' offense dangerous, but Tampa Bay is still a strong defense away from being able to truly make a run.  

With cap flexibility and coming off a 10-7 regular season in 2024, the Buccaneers franchise has been known to take big swings, and trading for Parsons could fit right into their plan.