NFL Execs Reportedly Believe Chiefs, Ravens 'Intrigued' Micah Parsons Before Trade

Amid his standoff with the Dallas Cowboys, star edge-rusher Micah Parsons started mentally weighing prospective trade suitors, including a pair of Super Bowl contenders.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that "multiple team execs believed that Parsons was intrigued by several teams in the process." The NFL insider cited the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs specifically.

Fowler conceded, however, that "the Chiefs were never in it," while the Cowboys were broadly prioritizing the best return they could get over sending Parsons to a preferred landing spot.

During his introductory press conference with the Green Bay Packers, the four-time Pro Bowler acknowledged he ultimately "didn't have any say" over where he wound up in a trade.

"It was just, I would say I'm pretty lucky because I understand the rich history of the Packers," he said. "The fact that they had interest in me and understand they have a pretty tough team already in the NFC."

It goes without saying that Parsons would've been a huge addition to either Baltimore or Kansas City's defense. But the cost of acquiring him and his subsequent extension might have removed them fro the running.

The Ravens already have three defensive players (Kyle Hamilton, defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike and linebacker Roquan Smith) making at least $20 million annually. General manager Eric DeCosta will want to keep an eye toward Lamar Jackson's next contract as well.

The Chiefs likewise don't have a lot of flexibility after handing out extensions to offensive guard Trey Smith and edge-rusher George Karlaftis. Their payroll outlook in 2026 and beyond is pretty rough, and it only would've gotten worse with Parsons earning $40-plus million a year.

Given their on-field consistency over the past few years, Baltimore and Kansas City would've looked attractive for the defensive standout. It doesn't sound like they were realistic options, though.