Cowboys-Falcons blockbuster trade proposal sends $145 million superstar defender to Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons were considered overly aggressive in the 2025 NFL Draft, but in doing so, they finally addressed a glaring weakness that had plagued them for years.

That need was pass rush — or rather, the lack of it. Atlanta ranked 31st in the NFL last season with just 31 sacks.

To fix that, the Falcons used both of their first-round picks to bolster the defensive front, selecting Georgia’s Jalon Walker and Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. But even with those reinforcements, some believe Atlanta could still use a proven superstar.

One bold suggestion? Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons.

"The Atlanta Falcons have been aggressive in their pursuit of defensive upgrades and could pair Parsons with their young core," Pro Football Network wrote. "Atlanta’s need for a superstar defender makes this a logical fit."

Parsons, 26, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is set to make $24 million on his fifth-year option. But despite his elite production, the Cowboys have yet to lock him into a long-term deal.

Owner Jerry Jones has taken a patient approach with Parsons.

“I’d rather pay more and get it right than pay less and screw it up," Jones said recently.

The issue for Atlanta, however, would likely come down to finances.

Spotrac lists Parsons’ projected market value at four years, $145 million — an average of $36.3 million annually. That would make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history.

Meanwhile, the Falcons are in a tight cap situation. They’re projected to have only $5 million in space this season and roughly $5.5 million next year, per Over The Cap. That’s before considering future extensions for offensive stars like Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson.

In reality, the idea of adding Parsons seems more like a long shot than a legitimate plan. Between Dallas’ interest in keeping him and Atlanta’s limited cap flexibility, it’s the kind of move that’s more likely to stay a dream than become a reality.