HEADLINES

Cowboys Trade Micah Parsons To Packers

August 28th, 2025 at 11:12pm CST by Adam La Rose

Trade chatter surrounding Micah Parsons has proven to be substantive. Not long after a Thursday report indicated the star edge rusher could be on the move, a blockbuster trade has indeed been worked out.

The Cowboys have an agreement in place to send Parsons to the Packers, as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Jane Slater. The package heading back to Dallas includes two first-round picks. Rapoport adds defensive tackle Kenny Clark is also going to the Cowboys as the final part of the trade agreement. The move is now official.

As part of this massive deal, Parsons has worked out a Packers extension. A four-year, $188MM accord has been agreed to, per the NFL Network report (which has since been confirmed by others). The deal contains $136MM in total guarantees. ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds Parsons will receive $120MM fully locked in at signing, including $62MM paid out in 2025. Those figures – along with a $47MM average annual value – easily mark a new high point in compensation for non-quarterbacks.

In recent days, the possibility of a trade has gained steam. Yesterday, it was reported the Packers were among the teams showing interest; as such, it is reasonable Green Bay is where Parsons is now headed. Still, today’s move is a massive development for all involved and marks a departure from standard operating procedure in the Packers’ case. The team has a reputation as a draft-and-develop franchise, and that includes recent first-round investments along the edge in Rashan Gary (2019) and Lukas Van Ness (2024).

Both of those players will remain in place even with Parsons arriving. Green Bay’s defensive front has nevertheless been dealt a blow with Clark heading the other way. The three-time Pro Bowler has spent his entire nine-year career with the Packers, and he will provide the Cowboys with a needed upgrade at the DT spot. Clark, 29, has three years remaining on his contract. The former first-rounder posted a career-high 7.5 sacks in 2023, but that figure fell to one last season. Even without a bounce-back in that department, stable play against the run would be welcomed by the Cowboys.

Dallas has a reputation for dragging high-profile negotiations deep into the offseason. Many observers viewed the Parsons situation as the latest example of that, but relations between the 26-year-old and owner Jerry Jones have taken a turn for the worst this summer. Informal talks between the two produced a handshake agreement during the spring, one Jones maintained a desire to stick to in the process of finalizing an extension. When Parsons went public with his trade request at the start of the month, though, he stated he did not want to be held to the terms mentioned in that conversation. No formal offer is known to have been made by Dallas, and negotiations came to a halt in the wake of Jones’ comments on agent David Mulugheta.

Per Rapoport, this trade was agreed to earlier this week. Negotiations then turned to the matter of an extension, with Mulugheta negotiating this monster accord. The Packers’ financial outlook will be altered considerably with this deal in place, especially since quarterback Jordan Love is attached to one of the league’s most expensive accords. The team’s window to contend for a Super Bowl is obviously viewed as being open given this trade.

Dallas, meanwhile, still has a core headlined by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. They both signed major extensions of their own last offseason, and Clark joins Osa Odighizuwa (re-upped this spring on a $20MM-per-year deal) as a key figure on defense for 2025 and beyond. The Cowboys are thus not in a position to turn away from contention in the near future, but with one week remaining in the offseason they have moved on from arguably their best player.

The Cowboys lost DeMarcus Lawrence during free agency, so today’s blockbuster means both of their starting edge rush spots will have new occupants. Sam Williams, Dante Fowler, Marshawn Kneeland, James Houston and second-round rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku are in position to handle pass rush duties moving forward. How that group fares will be key in determining the success of the post-Parsons Dallas defense.

The Packers went 9-8 during Love’s first season as their starting quarterback, and they improved to 11-6 last season. A step toward the NFL’s elite was targeted in their roster moves this offseason, and that process has extended deep into August. Parsons was already on the books for 2025 due to his fifth-year option (the value of which is yet to be finalized). The All-Pro is now under contract through 2029.

“I never wanted this chapter to end, but not everything was in my control,” a statement from Parsons reads in part. “My heart has always been [in Dallas], and it still is. Through it all, I never made any demands. I never asked for anything more than fairness. I only asked that the person I trust to negotiate my contract be part of the process.

“Thank you, Cowboys Nation, for every cheer, every moment, and every ounce of love you showed me. Wearing the star has been the honor of my life.”

As Schefter notes, 29 players drafted since 1970 have been named to the Pro Bowl in each of their first four seasons. Parsons will be the first name on that list to play for a different team in their fifth NFL campaign. Dallas and Green Bay will meet in a Sunday Night Football matchup in Week 4. It goes without saying what the top storyline for that contest will be.

Bengals Offered Trey Hendrickson Backloaded Extension; Raise Proposal Did Not Emerge Until Training Camp

August 28th, 2025 at 11:10pm CST by Sam Robinson

For months, Trey Hendrickson sought a true extension that would provide guarantees beyond Year 1. Excluding Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, such contracts are not part of the Bengals’ blueprint. The team ended up not budging on that stance, but a compromise emerged late to bring its top defender back into the fold.

Cincinnati agreed to a one-year bump with Hendrickson, who secured a $14MM raise for 2025. The deal also includes a $1MM incentive that could bump the standout defensive end’s earnings to $30MM this year. If Hendrickson plays 60% of the Bengals’ defensive snaps and the team books a playoff berth, that $1MM bump would trigger, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.

Hendrickson, 30, logged 73% defensive snap share in 2024 and 68% of the team’s plays in 2023. The contract also includes a void year, according to ESPN.com’s Field Yates, who adds Hendrickson’s cap number increased by $3MM. The ninth-year veteran now counts $21.67MM on the Bengals’ cap sheet. Not known for much void year-related cap manipulation, the Bengals would be tagged with a $10MM dead money hit if they do not re-sign Hendrickson before the 2026 league year.

The Bengals held firm on not offering a post-Year 1 guarantee to Hendrickson. Cincy is one of the few teams that as a rule avoids this contract structure; its pricey Tee Higgins extension did not stray from it, even while the Chase deal did. Hendrickson is believed to have turned down a three-year, $95MM extension that did not include guarantees beyond Year 1. This proposal was backloaded, with The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. indicating Hendrickson was due $23MM in 2026 and $39MM in 2027

As for Hendrickson’s current deal, the NFL’s reigning sack leader said (via ESPN.com’s Ben Baby) the team did not communicate an aim at a 2025 raise until the eve of training camp. Hendrickson added he did not receive the offer he eventually agreed to was not previously offered during the lengthy negotiation. Although Hendrickson said he was “incredibly humbled” by the team’s raise, turning down the above-referenced extension offer sets up an interesting next chapter in this long-running saga.

While the Bengals have some younger defensive ends they will hope can show long-term potential (in Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy, the latter not justifying his first-round slot yet), they could circle back to Hendrickson via a 2026 franchise tag. It would be a costly tag, at approximately $34.8MM, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. No team has ever tagged a non-quarterback at that rate, but if Hendrickson delivers another big year, it would certainly be a conversation — even in a potential tag-and-trade scenario. Dehner points to this relationship ending with a 2026 free agency departure, which could lead to a third-round 2027 compensatory pick.

The Bengals certainly made a good bet on Hendrickson back in 2021, when the late-blooming Saints draftee agreed to a four-year, $60MM deal. Far outplaying that contract, Hendrickson — after a one-year, $21MM extension in 2023 — failed in convincing the Bengals to break their non-superstar precedent for future guarantees. The All-Pro pass rusher will attempt to remain in top form ahead of his 31st birthday en route to a high-end deal in 2026.

Packers WR Jayden Reed Has Foot Fracture

August 28th, 2025 at 10:51pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed has a Jones fracture in his left foot, according to Channel 3000.com’s Jason Wilde, but is planning to play through the injury.

Reed was spotted sporting a boot during Green Bay’s first preseason game but returned to practice on Wednesday. He said that he’s not at full strength, but is “working through” the injury.

It typically takes a few months to recover from a Jones fracture, per Wilde. The injury can also require surgery, but Reed is committed to avoiding that scenario. His status for Week 1 remains uncertain, but the Packers’ decision not to place him on IR with a return designation indicates that they expect him back within the first four weeks of the season.

Reed’s absence would leave the Packers without their primary slot receiver. Christian Watson is starting the season on the physicall unable to perform list and won’t be an option for at least four weeks, though the team is hoping that’s all he’ll need to complete his recovery from last year’s ACL tear. Neither of the Packers’ rookie wideouts – Matthew Golden and Savion Williams – lined up in the slot for a large portion of their college snaps, so third-year wideout Dontayvion Wicks could be the next man up after a secondary slot role in 2024. Wicks returned to practice on Wednesday after missing multiple weeks with a calf injury and may take on a bigger target share at the start of the season.

Reed’s choice to play through the injury is a significant gamble due to the risk of further damage to his foot and of decreased production while hobbled. He’s entering the third year of his rookie contract after collecting a total of 119 receptions, 1,650 yards, and 15 touchdowns in 2022 and 2023. With other Packers receiver like Watson, Wicks, and Romeo Doubs up for extensions, re-injury or regression might hurt Reed’s chances of staying in Green Bay long-term. Shutting himself down, at least temporarily, would give him a better chance of staying healthy and continuing to grow his production.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 8/28/25

August 28th, 2025 at 9:12pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Teams around the NFL continued to adjust their practice squads as new players came free from Wednesday’s transactions. Here are all the latest updates:

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Falcons

Buffalo Bills

  • Signed: CB Jalen Kimber, DE Andre Jones Jr.
  • Released: CB Daequan Hardy

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos:

  • Signed: TE Patrick Murtaugh (international exemptin)

Detroit Lions: 

Green Bay Packers:

Houston Texans: 

  • Signed: OT Reid Holskey, WR Josh Kelly

Indianapolis Colts: 

Jacksonville Jaguars: 

Kansas City Chiefs:

Los Angeles Chargers:

Miami Dolphins:

  • Signed: RB JaMycal Hasty

Minnesota Vikings:

New England Patriots: 

New York Giants: 

  • Signed: TE Qadir Ismail

New York Jets: 

  • Signed: OL Marquis Hayes, DB Korie Black

Philadelphia Eagles:

  • Signed: WR Britain Covey, OT Luke Felix Fualalo (international exemption)

San Francisco 49ers: 

Seattle Seahawks: 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 

Tennessee Titans: 

Washington Commanders: 

Signed: RB Donovan Edwards, CB Darius Rush

Ismail was one of 17 players to work out for the Giants on Thursday, per The Athletic’s Dan Duggan. He won the practice squad spot over more notable players like former Broncos safety Caden Sterns and former Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma also attended the workout, per Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post, suggesting that the Giants might be looking for extra depth at the position.

Wallace worked out for the Vikings on Thursday, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. It must have gone well, as he was signed to the practice squad hours later as extra depth both in the secondary and on special teams.

Griffin returned to the Seahawks this offseason, eight years after they made him a third-round pick in the 2017 draft. He did not make Seattle’s 53-man roster, but as a vested veteran, he was able to re-sign to the practice squad without going through waivers.

Eagles, Saints, Dolphins Also Placed Claims On Jalyn Armour-Davis

August 28th, 2025 at 8:23pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

One of the Ravens’ more surprising 53-man roster cuts was the release of 2022 fourth-round pick Jalyn Armour-Davis.

The fourth-year cornerback was quickly claimed off waivers by the Titans, who had the No. 1 priority. They weren’t the only team with interest; the Saints, Dolphins, and Eagles all placed claims as well, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Armour-Davis ended each of his first three seasons on the IR with two stints in 2024. The Ravens were still excited about his potential as a versatile backup in 2025 with defensive coordinator Zach Orr saying that Armour-Davis was the team’s smartest defensive back on multiple occasions.

It seemed that the injury bug may have struck again when Armour-Davis missed a few practices at training camp, but his MRI was clean and he returned to start all three preseason games. He played sparingly in the second, but in the other two, he allowed an 8.8 passer rating when targeted with two pass break-ups and an interception, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

The Saints could stand to add some cornerback depth after the departures of Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo in the last year. Behind a starting trio of Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alontae Taylor, and Isaac Yiadom, New Orleans only has veteran Ugo Amadi and fourth-round rookie Quincy Riley as backups.

Armour-Davis’ arrival in Tennessee is a reunion with former Ravens DBs coach and current Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. A successful claim by Miami would have similarly reconnected him with Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, who coached the Ravens’ defensive line during Armour-Davis’ time in Baltimore. Miami’s need at cornerback has been well-documented this offseason, and the soon-to-be 26 year old could have provided immediate depth. The Dolphins were successful in claiming former Colts second-round pick Julius Brents after he was waived.

The Eagles have several young cornerbacks on the 53-man roster – five of their six are 25 years or younger – and sought to add another in Armour-Davis. Philadelphia spent the offseason evaluating their options at the position behind star 2024 draft picks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. They brought in veteran Adoree’ Jackson to compete with former SEC starters Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks. None emerged as a clear third starter, so the Eagles traded for Jakorian Bennett. That would appear to be enough depth, but Howie Roseman, the Eagles’ ever-active general manager, tried to add Armour-Davis for even more competition.

In Tennessee, Armour-Davis will once again play under Wilson in a cornerback room made thin by the absence of L’Jarius Sneed.

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/28/25

August 28th, 2025 at 7:45pm CST by Adam La Rose

As rosters continue to be sorted out, here are Thursday’s minor moves around the NFL:

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

  • Waived: DT Eric Gregory

Dallas Cowboys

Las Vegas Raiders

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Bears Place DE Austin Booker On IR

August 28th, 2025 at 6:59pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Austin Booker was available to the Bears for all 17 games during his rookie season. That will not be the case in 2025, however.

Booker, 22, was placed on injured reserve Thursday, per a team announcement. A knee injury will sideline him for a minimum of four games to start the season, per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. With a Bears’ bye in Week 5, Booker won’t play until at least Week 6.

The 2024 fifth-rounder was set to backup starting defensive ends Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo after a relatively quiet rookie season. Booker’s 2025 expectations surged after a league-high 4.0 sacks in just two preseason games, but a potential second-year leap will have to wait for a while.

Booker was able to overpower the generally-lower level of competition in the preseason, but translating that success to the regular season is no guarantee. His injury could make things more difficult, though the IR stint will help him get back to full health instead of rushing a return.

In the meantime, the Bears will turn to 2022 fifth-rounder Dominique Robinson and offseason signing Tanoh Kpassagnon to rotate in behind Sweat and Odeyingbo.

Robinson recorded 1.5 sacks in his first game as a Bear and 0.5 in 33 games since, while Kpassagnon, an eight-year veteran, missed the entire 2024 season due to an Achilles tear. He followed Dennis Allen from New Orleans to Chicago this offseason but has never produced like an impact edge rusher. Booker arguably has more upside than both, so the Bears will be anxious to get him back on the field as a rotational pass rusher.

Third-stringer and 2022 seventh-round pick Daniel Hardy has primarily played special teams in his first two years but could see some defensive snaps with Booker out.

Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin Likely To Miss First Month Of Season; Tristan Wirfs Could Return In September

August 28th, 2025 at 6:38pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Buccaneers will be without wideout Chris Godwin and left tackle Tristan Wirfs to start the season. Both were moved to the active roster on Tuesday, though, meaning a return prior to Week 5 is a possibility in each case.

Shifting to the reserve/PUP list would have ensured either player missed the first four weeks of the season. That could still prove to be the case, but Tampa’s decision means Godwin and Wirfs could at least resume practicing in September. General manager Jason Licht provided an update on both players Thursday.

Appearing on 95.3 WDAE radio (audio link), Licht said Godwin may not be back until October. The Pro Bowler continues to rehab the fractured ankle which ended his 2024 season, and Week 2 was named earlier this month as the point at which he could return to practice. A cautious approach should be expected, of course, but missing Godwin for all of September would deal a blow to Tampa Bay’s passing game. Jalen McMillan is set to miss considerable time this year as well, so Mike Evans and first-round rookie Emeka Egbuka will be leaned on early in 2025.

Licht noted Wirfs is more of a candidate to see game action in September. The All-Pro underwent arthroscopic knee surgery early last month, setting up a rehab timeline including missed games in the regular season. The Bucs’ offensive line will receive a major boost whenever Wifrs is back in the fold, something which could take place relatively soon if his recovery does not encounter any setbacks.

Licht praised both players for their work so far in the rehab process, noting Godwin and Wirfs are considered week-to-week at this point. The status of each will be worth monitoring, but at least a few missed games are in store even if things go according to plan.

Cardinals Place DL Justin Jones On IR

August 28th, 2025 at 3:53pm CST by Adam La Rose

Justin Jones was limited to just three games during his debut Cardinals campaign. The veteran defensive lineman will miss time once again in 2025.

Jones was placed on injured reserve Thursday, per a team announcement. The 29-year-old has been dealing with a knee injury since July. As a result of today’s move, Jones will be sidelined until at least Week 5.

After four seasons with the Chargers and two with the Bears, Jones established himself as a full-time starter. The former third-rounder was largely durable during that period, playing a full 17-game slate in both of his Chicago seasons. Things have not gone according to plan in Arizona, however. Jones suffered a triceps tear in Week 3 last year, ending his campaign early.

Now, the NC State product is set to miss the first month of the campaign. Jones is under contract for the next two years, but none of his scheduled base salary for 2026 ($7.5MM) is guaranteed. Whether or not he remains in the Cardinals’ plans next season will depend in large part on when he is able to return to the field and his performance once healthy. In the meantime, Arizona will move forward with a defensive line group which will also be without first-round rookie Walter Nolen in September.

If/when Jones is brought back into the fold, he will account for one of the Cardinals’ eight IR activations. Two were used during the team’s Tuesday roster moves. In a corresponding transaction, long snapper Aaron Brewer was re-signed to the active roster. Brewer was released as part of the team’s roster maneuvers, but Jones moving to IR opened up a spot for him to return as expected.

Cowboys Willing To Listen To Micah Parsons Trade Offers?

August 28th, 2025 at 2:51pm CST by Adam La Rose

Since Micah Parsons issued his trade request, it has not appeared likely that a deal sending him away from Dallas will take place. The team’s stance on this front could be changing.

The Cowboys now “appear willing to at least listen” to Parsons trade offers, ESPN’s Todd Archer, Adam Schefter and Dan Graziano report. Calls have come in over recent weeks amidst the ongoing lack of progress regarding extension talks. As of last week, however, general managers around the league did not view a Parsons trade as being feasible.

Owner Jerry Jones has publicly stated Dallas will not trade the two-time All-Pro. Indeed, the ESPN report notes nothing is considered imminent at this time. It comes as no surprise a market exists for Parsons, but it would still come as a major shock if any move sending him out of Dallas were to take place (especially at this point in the offseason). Per the report, the Cowboys are aiming for a resolution of some kind before their season opener next week.

A number of outcomes remain possible, including a long-term pact being worked out just before Week 1. Jones reportedly offered an extension which would have made Parsons the league’s highest-paid edge rusher when speaking with the 26-year-old this spring. The ESPN trio adds further context on that point, noting the Cowboys’ offer was five years in length and averaged $40.5MM per season. Dialogue since then has been sparse, with both sides exchanging public remarks and agent David Mulugheta’s involvement in negotiations proving to be a major sticking point.

Crucially, the ESPN piece notes (and All City DLLS’ Clarence Hill Jr. confirms) Mulugheta has yet to receive permission from the Cowboys to discuss an extension with any potential acquiring team. No trade would take place, of course, without an agreement in hand on a multi-year accord for the four-time Pro Bowler. No firm links have been made yet to interested teams in terms of the details of any trade offer, but a Wednesday report indicated the Packers are among the potential destinations if a swap is to take place.

Parsons is on the books for one more season, and the Cowboys could retain him via the franchise tag for 2026 and ’27. The value of his fifth-year option is a matter of dispute, based on the position he is classified as. For now, the former Defensive Rookie of the Year is slated to collect $21.32MM as a defensive end; a switch to outside linebacker would increase his option valuation to $24.01MM. A grievance has been filed, so the matter will remain unresolved pending a conclusion to the case or a compromise being agreed to.

So far in his career, Parsons has racked up 52.5 sacks in 63 regular season games. The Penn State product would be an attractive trade target for any number of teams, but the list of suitors will be dictated by the number of teams with sufficient draft capital to swing a deal along with the cap space to accommodate a massive Parsons extension. The presence of one more teams meeting those criteria could create a bidding war, but only if Jones and the Cowboys truly open the door to dealing him away. Dallas’ willingness to do so will certainly be worth watching over the coming days.

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