The Chicago Bears have a need, and new head coach Ben Johnson – as well as general manager Ryan Poles – were not shy about stating it. Bears safety Jaquan Brisker believes former college teammate Micah Parsons, now of the Dallas Cowboys, is the solution for Dennis Allen’s defense.
The Bears have players under contract who have contributed in veteran DeMarcus Walker and 2024 fifth-round pick Austin Booker.
They still ranked 16th in sacks with Sweat leading the way with 5.5 on the season, a far cry from his 12.5 in 2023.
Bears’ Jaquan Brisker Eyes Trade to Reunite With Micah Parsons
Jaquan Brisker: Bears Would Welcome Micah Parsons ‘With Open Arms’
The Bears need to upgrade their pass rush. Specifically, they need an answer opposite 2023 trade acquisition Montez Sweat, and Parsons’ future with the Cowboys has come into question.
“We’ll welcome 11 with open arms!” Brisker said in a post on X on February 9. “Reunion.”
We’ll welcome 11 with open arms! 👀👀 reunion 🏹🏹
— Quanny B. (@JaquanBrisker) February 9, 2025
The DallasParsons, 25, was the No. 12 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. Parsons ranks fifth in the league in sacks since entering with 52.5, recording at least 12.0 in every season. He is set to play on the fifth-year option of his four-year, $17 million contract.
Cowboys Have Discussed Micah Parsons Trade
The Cowboys parted ways with former head coach Mike McCarthy in a decision that rubbed Parsons the wrong way. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported that the Cowboys have discussed trading the four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro.
Parsons is not the only pass rusher who could be available this offseason.
“Sources say the long-term futures of Micah Parsons and Maxx Crosby with their current teams are also up in the air as massive contract extensions loom and new coaching staffs take over with the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders, respectively,” Pelissero and Rapoport wrote on February 9.
“While there have been no trade talks, sources say there have at least been some internal discussions about whether to pay Parsons or trade him for a king’s ransom. If the Cowboys are willing to listen, they may get it. “
Pelissero and Rapoport also noted Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is in a similar boat.
Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett has also requested a trade this offseason.
Parsons is at least two years younger than the others. But both he and Cowboys COO have suggested there are very few scenarios if any in which the talented pass rusher is not playing for Dallas next season.
Micah says he's a Cowboys 'for-lifer' after Jordan Love tried recruiting him to Packers 👀
'I'm in one of them Druski 360 deals… I can't go nowhere' 😅
(via The Edge with Micah Parsons) pic.twitter.com/eEXNHGLCQU
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 9, 2025
That does not mean the Bears cannot or should not call the Cowboys to gauge their interest in trading Parsons.
It could be foolhardy to get hopes up at this point, though.
Should Bears Trade for Micah Parsons?
Acquiring Parons most like means paying twice – once in the assets (and potentially players) used to acquire him, and then again on the new contract that he is in line for.
Over The Cap projects the Bears will have $62.9 million to spend. That is the sixth-most in the league as of February 9. The Bears have several extension candidates, though, most reside on the defense.
The Bears also have nine picks in the 2025 draft, including No. 10 overall.
They might be better off trying to land their own Parsons rather than potentially surrendering multiple first-round picks for a player they would have to pay.
Still, with the resources they have, it is easy to envision a scenario in which they fill their needs along the offensive line and defensive interior and still have enough left over to put together an enticing package for Parsons.