Why the Chargers Are the Perfect Team to Trade for Micah Parsons

Why the Chargers Are the Perfect Team to Trade for Micah Parsons originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Three-time All-Pro Micah Parsons requested a trade from the Dallas Cowboys on Friday afternoon due to a lack of action from the Cowboys’ front office regarding signing Parsons to a long-term extension.

Parsons, who placed in the top three for defensive player of the year voting for three consecutive seasons before his injury-riddled 2024, has made it clear that this request isn’t a typical situation where it’s mainly to pressure the team into getting a deal done. 

His statement, seen below, clearly indicates that he no longer wants to play for the Dallas Cowboys, making the idea of him actually being moved feel like more of a reality.

Thank you Dallas 🦁👑 🙏🏾! I pic.twitter.com/EUnEj9uRUt

— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) August 1, 2025

If the Cowboys decide to trade him, the Los Angeles Chargers are an ideal trade partner due to their roster timeline, team needs in 2025, and financial flexibility to sign Parsons after the trade.

The Chargers had a resurgent 2024 season under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who brought an improved culture and a talented defensive coordinator to Los Angeles. That coordinator, Jesse Minter, helped turn around a Chargers defense that allowed the ninth-most points in the league in 2023, to the fewest allowed in 2024. 

Minter achieved this with a solid but not exceptional pass rush last season, with Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, and the aging Khalil Mack leading the team in sacks at 8.5, 6, and 6, respectively. If Parsons were dropped into this rotation, their pass rush could be fully weaponized, helping to ease some pressure on their young cornerback group and elevating the defense to truly elite status.

The Chargers chose to avoid spending big in free agency this offseason, instead trusting that their recent draft picks will develop over the coming years. This decision leaves the Bolts with the third-most cap space in the league after the 2025 season, giving them the flexibility to make a blockbuster move such as this.

Additionally, the Chargers have several key positions secured on either rookie contracts or long-term deals. Their promising tackle duo of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are both signed for at least the next three seasons, with Alt on a rookie deal and Slater having recently agreed to a long-term extension. Justin Herbert, their star quarterback, is under contract through 2029, and their young receiving duo of Ladd McConkey and Tre’ Harris are on rookie deals for multiple years as well.

All of this is to say that the Chargers are a young team that will likely remain inexpensive for a few years, which means they can and should consider making a bold move such as trading for Parsons, who could boost an already formidable defense into a world-wrecker.

While many still believe Parsons will eventually sign with the Cowboys, don’t be surprised to hear the Chargers have been making calls to Dallas over the coming days and weeks.

Related: Chargers Make Rashawn Slater NFL’s Highest-Paid Offensive Lineman with $114M Extension

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.