The Green Bay Packers shocked the NFL world less than two weeks ahead of the 2025 NFL season as they traded for Micah Parsons and gave him a four-year, $188 million extension to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The pass-rusher had spent the first four seasons of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, establishing himself as one of the league's premier players.
Parsons is set to make his return to AT&T Stadium this weekend as the Packers visit the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. Former Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy, who also coached the superstar during his entire tenure in Dallas, had high praise for the newest Packers star.
"So, obviously, (the Cowboys) know Micah very well. He'll get plenty of attention," McCarthy told The Pat McAfee Show. "I say it all the time -- he's the most disruptive defensive player that I've worked with especially in the training camp environment and so forth. So, they'll be double-teaming him when he gets off the bus."
Former Packers coach Mike McCarthy has lofty praise for Micah Parsons ahead of Cowboys matchup
It won't make Cowboys fans feel any better about losing him.
It is impossible to deny that Parsons has had a tremendous start to his career. McCarthy had a first-hand look at his talent as the Super Bowl XLV champion spent four seasons coaching him in Dallas.
During Parsons' time with the Cowboys, he made 53.2 sacks, 63 tackles for loss, 112 quarterback hits, nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, nine passes defended, and one defensive touchdown. He ranked fifth in the league in sacks over that span, earning three All-Pro nods, four Pro Bowl selections, and 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
RELATED: Everyone knows the real reason why Cowboys just signed this former Packers CB
Parsons has gotten off to a strong start to his Packers' career despite playing a career-low 63 percent of the defensive snaps as he acclimates to his new team. He has recorded five total tackles, three solo tackles, one tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks, and six quarterback hits. While his stats don't scream dominance, his 90.1 PFF grade ranks fourth among 155 edge-rushers.
The newest Green Bay star will also have extra motivation on Sunday after the Cowboys opted to trade him rather than give him an extension. The praise from McCarthy -- who has coached his fair share of defensive legends, including Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers -- shows that Packers fans have yet to see the best from Parsons.