GLENDALE — The Arizona Cardinals have the cap space, the picks and the defensive coordinator to make a Micah Parsons trade more than a Bird Gang dream. The question is whether they have the guts.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Sep 24, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) and safety Donovan Wilson (6) tackle Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
The NFL rumor mill spun hard this week after the All-Pro linebacker reportedly requested a trade out of Dallas. While no teams have emerged as frontrunners, Arizona is one of the few with the flexibility and vision to make it work.
Parsons has been a disruptive force since entering the league in 2021. With elite speed off the edge, instincts in coverage, and a relentless motor, he’s a rare breed of defender who changes the tone of an entire game. He fits perfectly in Defensive Coordinator Nick Rallis’ hybrid scheme, where his versatility could be maximized by rushing the passer, dropping in coverage, or even roaming sideline to sideline.
Micah Parsons’ fit with the Cardinals:
One of the major issues last season for the Cardinals was struggling with third-down stops. Arizona has embarked on a full defensive rebuild under Head Coach Jonathan Gannon and General Manager Monti Ossenfort, and could desperately use a player like this to anchor their unit. Parsons’ presence would immediately elevate the defense, while giving opposing quarterbacks something to fear.
Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Parsons (11) looks on prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
Financially, the Cardinals have flexibility. With over $35 million in projected cap space heading into the 2025 season, absorbing Parsons’ current contract or even extending him wouldn’t be an issue. Arizona has the cap space and the draft picks to create a package to get Parsons to the desert. The Cardinals recently signed star defensive end Josh Sweat to a massive four-year, $74.6 million dollar contract, and might be content though with the pieces that have in place.
Sep 24, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Keaontay Ingram (30) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Parsons (11) and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
If the Cardinals want to send a message that they are serious about competing, adding Micah Parsons might be the loudest way to do it.
The Cardinals QB reset, why Kyler Murray might surprise everyone in 2025
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
