After an offseason filled with speculation, Micah Parsons is officially a member of the Green Bay Packers. The superstar pass-rusher was acquired for two first-round draft picks and three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
The Packers subsequently ensured he will be with the organization for the foreseeable future by signing him to a four-year, $188 million contract extension that includes $120 million in guaranteed money. His $47 million average annual value makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, shattering the $41 million mark set by Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt earlier this offseason.
It is well-known that Parsons is a true game-changer, as he has recorded 52.5 sacks, 112 quarterback hits, 63 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, nine passes defended, and one defensive touchdown in his four-year career. His addition to Green Bay's top-10 defense from a season ago figures to make the group elite in 2025.
Packers' addition of Micah Parsons will make the defense elite
The Packers fielded a strong defense in 2024, finishing sixth in scoring defense and fifth in total yards allowed. While their 45 sacks ranked tied for eighth in the league, it was clear that their pass rush could use an upgrade.
Rashan Gary, who had 7.5 sacks, was the only player to finish with more than five. Meanwhile, the team's 22.1 percent pressure rate was 16th in the league, their 8.5 percent hurry rate was 13th, and their 7.6 percent quarterback knockdown rate was just 21st.
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Parsons has been elite at getting after the quarterback in his brief career. The 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft ranked fifth in sacks, while also ranking tied for fifth in tackles for loss. He has recorded 177 pressures, 61 hurries, and 59 quarterback knockdowns during that span.
The newest Packer has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his four seasons, while being named to the All-Pro team three times -- with an injury that sidelined him for four games likely costing him a fourth appearance.
While the loss of Clark could sting some, his play had begun to slip as he recorded just 37 total tackles, 20 solo tackles, one sack, and five quarterback hits in 2024 -- his lowest marks across the board since his rookie season, where he made two starts and played just 32 percent of the defensive snaps. His 59.3 PFF grade was the lowest mark of his career.
The three-time Pro Bowler, who Green Bay selected 27th overall in 2016, is set to turn 30 later this year -- suggesting that a bounce back could be unlikely. Meanwhile, Devonte Wyatt appears poised to step into a bigger role after finishing with 5.0 sacks last term.
The former first-round pick is a breakout candidate after missing three games, making no starts, and playing just 41 percent of the defensive snaps. Following the addition of Parsons, the Packers' defense has the potential to be one of the league's best units in 2025.