Panthers Reportedly Inquired About Micah Parsons Trade Before Cowboys-Packers Deal

The Carolina Panthers figure to be more than one piece away from being true contenders in the NFC after a seventh consecutive losing season, but that reportedly didn't stop them from inquiring about Micah Parsons before the Dallas Cowboys traded him to the Green Bay Packers.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Tuesday that Carolina reached out about the pass-rusher, although he noted the team didn't make an official trade offer.

Dallas ended up trading Parsons to the Packers for a 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Considering Green Bay is on the short list of realistic Super Bowl contenders, especially with Parsons on board, the Cowboys may have been better off with draft picks from the Panthers.

That Carolina was interested in the Penn State product shouldn't come as a surprise because every team in the NFL should have been interested.

In just four seasons in the NFL, he has a resume that includes a Defensive Rookie of the Year, four Pro Bowl nods, two First-Team All-Pro selections and four seasons with double-digit sacks. He is the type of game-wrecker along a defensive front that can completely change the outlook for a team and someone Carolina could have certainly used.

After all, it was last in the league in points and yards allowed last season on the way to a 5-12 record.

There is reason for some optimism with the Panthers heading into the 2025 campaign after quarterback Bryce Young impressed down the stretch last season. They also selected wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 8 overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft.

Still, the defense will need to be much better if they are going to be a factor in the NFC South, and Parsons would have certainly helped their cause.