The Dallas Cowboys’ recent decision to trade Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers after four standout seasons as a pass rusher has drawn comparisons to other major trades involving NFL stars in their prime.
The move follows a history of high-profile trades prompted by contract disputes and includes similarities with the 2018 trade that sent Khalil Mack from the Oakland Raiders to the Chicago Bears. Like the Parsons deal, both teams received two first-round picks, though Dallas also acquired defensive tackle Kenny Clark from Green Bay.
In reviewing previous trades, many saw mixed results for the teams involved. The Mack trade saw him continue his success in Chicago but was not enough to secure playoff victories. Meanwhile, the Raiders used one pick on running back Josh Jacobs, who proved productive before leaving as a free agent after the 2023 season; their second first-round selection did not pan out.
Historically notable trades include several involving future or current members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The 1989 Herschel Walker trade stands out for reshaping Dallas’ roster and enabling its three Super Bowl wins through draft acquisitions like Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and key contributors such as Darren Woodson, Kevin Smith and Russell Maryland. Minnesota’s side of that deal failed to bring playoff success during Walker’s time with them.
Jerry Jones’ acquisition of Charles Haley from San Francisco in 1992 provided another crucial piece for Dallas’ defense during its run of three Super Bowl victories in four years.
Randy Moss was traded away by Minnesota in 2005 when he was among the league’s most effective receivers; neither Minnesota nor Oakland benefited greatly at that stage. Moss moved again in 2007 to New England, where he set an NFL record with 23 touchdown catches during an undefeated regular season.
Other significant mid-prime trades have featured players like Fran Tarkenton, Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk—whose arrival helped form St. Louis’ “Greatest Show on Turf” offense—and Christian McCaffrey, whose trade fueled San Francisco’s offense en route to a Super Bowl appearance and Offensive Player of the Year award in 2023.
Further examples include All-Pro Fred Dean’s move to San Francisco sparking a dynasty run; Darrelle Revis’ relocation leading indirectly to a Super Bowl win with New England; Champ Bailey’s extended impact for Denver following his trade; Paul Warfield becoming pivotal for Miami’s perfect season; and Mike Haynes bolstering Los Angeles’ defense immediately upon arrival.
These cases illustrate how trading star talent can shift team fortunes in unpredictable ways—sometimes building dynasties or fueling championship runs but often failing to deliver immediate postseason results on either side.
