Steelers Earn Quiet Win After Cowboys Trade Star Micah Parsons To Green Bay

When the Pittsburgh Steelers were negotiating with superstar pass rusher TJ Watt, another superstar pass rusher was also hoping for a new deal with his team. That would be Dallas Cowboys' Micah Parsons, but on Thursday afternoon, Jerry Jones sent Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in a move that absolutely shocked the NFL. 

The Cowboys received defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two future first-round picks, while the Packers immediately locked Parsons up with a massive $47 million per year deal. For perspective, Watt’s contract averages $41 million annually, while Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett comes in at $40 million per season. The move reset the market for elite pass rushers and left fans across the league stunned by the Cowboys’ decision to move on from their young defensive cornerstone.

The ripple effect of the Parsons blockbuster deal quickly made its way back to Pittsburgh. Just months earlier, the Steelers had traded wide receiver George Pickens to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick, while sending back a 2027 fifth-round selection. 

At the time, some Steelers fans questioned whether the return for Pickens was enough. However, with Parsons now out of Dallas, the Cowboys’ outlook has changed drastically. Without their most dominant defensive player, Dallas could be heading for a steep decline, which would make those future draft picks acquired by Pittsburgh even more valuable.

Though the Cowboys still have Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Pickens, along with some remaining talent on defense, the situation is far from stable. With a brand new head coach in place, things could quickly unravel if the team fails to find its rhythm. If that happens, it would be a major win for the Steelers, who are in position to benefit from Dallas’ potential struggles.

For Steelers fans, this development creates a potential long-term win. Not only did Pittsburgh move on from a player in Pickens who had shown flashes but also frustrations, they now hold draft capital tied to a team that could be entering a downward spiral. 

If Dallas struggles without Parsons leading their defense, that 2026 third-rounder could turn into a much stronger asset than originally projected. For a team like the Steelers that thrives on building through the draft and maintaining roster depth, the fallout from this shocking NFL trade may have indirectly strengthened their long-term outlook in ways no one saw coming.

Steelers Will Be Keeping Tabs On The Dallas Cowboys

If the Cowboys collapse in 2025, it would be a huge win for Pittsburgh. Even a small jump in draft position could be the difference between landing a generational talent or a player who’s out of the league in a few years.

That gap in the third round could matter more than it seems. The Steelers have a history of finding impact players in the middle rounds, and Dallas’ struggles without Parsons could make that pick even more valuable. Nothing is certain until the season plays out, but if the Cowboys stumble, the Steelers’ return from the Pickens trade could end up looking far better than anyone expected. 

At least for now, this can very well be called a direct win for the Steelers. Even the smallest victory in the NFL can have lasting impacts for a franchise. 

What were your thoughts when you saw Parsons get traded to the Packers? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

#SteelerNation