Nov 18, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) reacts during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Oftentimes, contract squabbles involving star players end with the player being shipped out of town. Micah Parsons is one of those players who is in demand for a new contract, and the Cowboys have yet to pull the trigger on a new deal for one of the league’s top pass rushers.
That leads to the big question: Should the Patriots call Jerry Jones directly and inquire about Parsons’ availability?
While some, like NBC Sports Boston, believe it’s a good idea that would immediately make the Patriots’ defense a championship defense, that’s a trade that could do the Patriots more harm than good from a long-term standpoint. Pass rushers are being paid a substantial amount of money throughout the league right now, and the new contract Parsons receives could approach record-breaking levels.
Three reasons why the Patriots should not trade for Micah Parsons
1. The offense is the top priority
New England’s defense is in good shape. A bulk of the team’s free agency money was spent on that side of the ball, while aside from the signings of Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, the Patriots reloaded the offense via the draft.
Diggs was brought in to be the number one wide receiver that second-year quarterback Drake Maye needs, but he’s 31 years old and heading towards the back nine of his career. Assuming he plays out his entire deal in New England, Diggs will be 34 the next time he hits free agency. If the Patriots tie up most of their salary cap space in paying Parsons, they won’t have much real estate to pursue another number one receiver when the time comes.
Which leads to our next point….
2. Christian Gonzalez will be due an extension soon
As great as Parsons is, the Patriots already have a player on their defense who is likely to receive a massive contract extension when the time comes, in Christian Gonzalez. And assuming Maye is the team’s franchise quarterback for years to come, his second contract won’t be cheap either.
The Patriots need to prioritize their homegrown talent over potential one-year rentals, such as Parsons, who could put the team in salary cap purgatory.
Gonzalez is emerging as one of the league’s elite cornerbacks, and next offseason, one of the top priorities could be getting him signed beyond the 2026 season. New England can’t afford to let him hit free agency.
3. The offensive line will need more help
The Patriots hopefully solved their left tackle issues by drafting Will Campbell with the third overall pick, and will likely have three new starters up front when the regular season kicks off in September.
The offensive line could be an area the Patriots continue to address over the next couple of offseasons, and paying someone like Parsons $40 million a year could hinder that process.
Morgan Moses signed a three-year deal in the offseason, but he’s 34 years old, so it remains to be seen how he holds up, and Garrett Bradbury is probably a one-year guy at center before rookie Jared Wilson is ready to step in.
The line, along with the wide receiver position, remains the top priority for the Patriots, and if they’re tied up with an expensive player like Parsons, they’ll be unable to explore those options.
