The buzz around Micah Parsons trade rumors has intensified, with reports emerging that the Green Bay Packers are among the leading teams interested in acquiring the Dallas Cowboys‘ standout pass rusher. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Packers, equipped with salary cap space and a strong roster, appear well positioned to pursue a deal to bring Parsons to Green Bay if the Cowboys decide to trade him.
Rapoport explained on The Pat McAfee Show that a potential trade for Parsons would likely require a significant return, comparable to the high-profile trade for linebacker Khalil Mack by the Chicago Bears seven years ago. That deal involved the Bears surrendering two first-round picks and multiple additional draft picks, a reflection of Parsons’ impact and value as a game-changing defensive presence.
Experienced Insider Highlights Parsons’ Impact and Trade Worthiness
Describing Parsons as “an absolute dog,” Rapoport emphasized his belief that Parsons deserves to be among the league’s highest-paid defenders. He asserted the value Parsons would bring to a team like the Packers, who “are really good” and seeking that final piece to contend at the highest level. His comments underline the caliber of player Parsons has become and the substantial investment needed to obtain him.
“I would expect that the Packers would be among the teams interested, and I would expect the Packers among the teams really interested,”
Rapoport said.
“They have money to spend, and they are really good. That’s the kind of team that I would say, if Micah was going to be traded, that he would be going to. We need one final piece. This guy is an absolute dog. He’s worth all the money so pay him all the money…but it’d be worth it, because you get Micah Parsons.”
—Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider
Lions Praise Rookie Receiver Isaac TeSlaa for Exceptional Competitiveness
While attention centers on the Parsons trade chatter, the Detroit Lions have been rooting for their rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, a third-round draft pick from Arkansas, who is attracting notice during preseason play. Lions General Manager Brad Holmes gave high marks to TeSlaa’s effort, highlighting his willingness to contribute beyond catching passes, particularly his physicality in blocking during the run game.
Holmes praised TeSlaa for embodying the competitive spirit the Lions value, comparing his run-blocking style favorably to that of established star Amon-Ra St. Brown. This kind of commitment reflects the player‘s deep desire to impact the game in multiple phases and shows potential for growth under the Lions’ coaching staff.
“He’s playing wide receiver like how we like our guys to play,”
Holmes told Kay Adams.
“He’s blocking, he’s training in the run game. I know when you hear blocking in the run game from a wide receiver, it’s like, ‘Well, you’ve got to catch the football,’ but that just shows a lot about the competitiveness and the desire of just a football player in general.”
“He said, ‘The Lions are my team and I’ve been watching how you guys play football and that’s how I like to play,'”
Holmes added.
“So, it’s cool that he kind of emulates his game after how we play. But literally, I haven’t seen a guy really block in the run game really like that since we took (Amon-Ra) St. Brown coming out. I just thought that (St. Brown) was a real ass-kicker in the run game, and I think (TeSlaa) is too. Again, I know that’s not everything, there is route running and development and catching and all that. All those things. And we have great coaches, and I think (assistant head coach) Scottie Montgomery is doing a great job with him in his development. So all those things, he’s got the tools to grow, he’s smart, but some of those other things, you either have that or you don’t. You either have that dog in you or you don’t, and he’s got it in him.”
—Brad Holmes, Detroit Lions General Manager
Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown Commends TeSlaa’s Toughness and Potential
Veteran Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown complemented TeSlaa’s toughness and work ethic, noting his physical style of play and commitment to doing the “dirty work” like digging out safeties during running plays. St. Brown expressed confidence that TeSlaa’s combination of size, speed, and grit will make him a valuable contributor as the season advances.
“He’s tough, he’s real tough,”
St. Brown said.
“I love it. He goes in there and digs out safeties. Putting his head in there — maybe a little too much sometimes. I tell him, ‘Take it easy, you don’t want to get hurt, get a concussion.’ But he’s super tough. That’s what I love to see. Then he goes up and makes the contested catch. He’s going to be real good for us. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast, he’s smart, he’s bought in. I think as the season goes, he’s just going to keep continuing to get better.”
—Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions Wide Receiver
Vikings Signals Return of QB J.J. McCarthy After ACL Recovery
In other NFL news, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy took the field for 13 snaps during the Vikings’ 20-10 preseason victory over the Houston Texans, marking his return from a torn ACL that sidelined him for his rookie year. McCarthy described the experience as a meaningful step in his healing journey and expressed his deep passion for football.
“It was just the journey that any injured player goes on to be back out there and doing the thing that they love,”
McCarthy said.
“It just shows how much I care for this game.”
—J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings Quarterback
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell praised McCarthy’s composure and contributions, highlighting an 18-yard completion to Jordan Addison and the offense’s success on third down conversions, reflecting positive progress as McCarthy continues regaining his form.
“I love the fact that we were able to hit an explosive play in the pass game,”
O’Connell said.
“I love the fact that we converted some third downs. I love the fact that on the fourth down, he used his legs to ‘steal one.’ And I think there’s just a level of composure and poise to how he ran the show. That was exactly what I was looking for — and now we go back to work.”
—Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings Head Coach
McCarthy acknowledged room for improvement in patience during the game, noting that Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores utilizes a defense that pressures quarterbacks to release the ball quickly, which challenges timing and decision-making in the pocket.
“When you go against Flo’s defense, your timing is always like one hitch and it’s got to be out,”
McCarthy explained.
“And I feel like there was a couple of occasions where I could have sat in there and trusted the pocket and made a better decision in that time frame. The one to Lucky across the middle, if I would’ve just waited a click longer, I would’ve found him in that window.”
—J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings Quarterback