A trade pitch from Bleacher Report reveals what the Cincinnati Bengals could offer the Dallas Cowboys for Micah Parsons in a potential blockbuster move to strengthen their defense.
On Friday, the NFL news wire was hit hard when Dallas Cowboys defensive star Micah Parsons took to social media to request a trade.
So it wouldn’t be a surprise if teams start calling to see what it might take to get Parsons, especially since the Penn State product has racked up 52.5 sacks and 256 tackles over four seasons with the Cowboys, solidifying his status as one of the NFL’s top pass rushers.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox has the Cincinnati Bengals as one team that can assemble a trade package to acquire Parsons. Here's what Knox sees Cincinnati offering in a potential trade:
Bengals Get: Edge Micah Parsons
Cowboys Get: 2026 1st-round pick, 2026 2nd-round pick, 2026 3rd-round pick, 2026 3rd-round pick, edge Trey Hendrickson
"A Hendrickson-for-Parsons swap could be a creative solution for both Cincinnati and Dallas," Knox wrote. "The Cowboys wouldn't have to pay Hendrickson as much as Parsons is worth because of age—though, they'd also be looking at fewer seasons with an established sack artist in the lineup. However, Hendrickson would most likely keep producing at a high level through the remainder of Dak Prescott's prime."
Parsons appears to be serious about wanting out of Dallas, noting that he initially wanted to remain a Cowboy and get a contract extension done that would see him remain with the franchise for the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, his perspective has now changed.
Thank you Dallas 🦁👑 🙏🏾! I pic.twitter.com/EUnEj9uRUt
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) August 1, 2025
The Bengals need players who can get to the quarterback, as the franchise is currently in its contract standoff with Hendrickson. The 30-year-old has attended training camp but is not participating in any drills before next week's preseason opener.
Moreover, getting a pass rusher in his prime would be a message to the rest of the NFL that the Bengals intend to win a Super Bowl in the Joe Burrow era. Having a core of Burrow, Parsons, Higgins, and Ja'Marr Chase will allow them to be a contender for the next few years. The question is whether they want to give up the draft capital needed for such a move.
"The Bengals don't want to commit to a 30-year-old defender long-term on a top-of-the-market deal, but they might feel differently about committing to a 26-year-old perennial Pro Bowler," Knox added. "Spending big to acquire a star and then locking him up isn't the sort of move the Bengals typically make. If these really aren't the "same old Bengals," though, it's a move they should.
"Adding Parsons to a core that includes Burrow, Chase and Higgins would help ensure Cincinnati is a perennial threat. Pairing Parsons with rookie first-round pick Shemar Stewart would also help ensure the Bengals have a quality pass rush for the foreseeable future."
Category: Football
