Trading Micah Parsons: 7-round Cowboys mock draft nets top-5 pick in ransomware haul

The Dallas Cowboys are more than likely going to work out a long-term extension with Micah Parsons. It could happen at some point before next month's draft and possibly within the next week. There's enough smoke involving conflicting reports that it feels like team-friendly media may be getting sent diversion messages while things come to fruition in the background.

But one of the most fun parts of mock draft season is playing the What If? game. So yeah, here's the "what if the Cowboys actually traded Micah Parsons" seven-round mock draft.

Micah Parsons trade value: Khalil Mack plus some

Dec 17, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) stands on the field during a break in the action against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The easiest comparison to a Parsons trade comes in the form of the Khalil Mack swap from last decade. Mack, 27 and a three-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Player of the Year, was getting ready to play on his fifth-year option. The then-Oakland Raiders traded him to the Chicago Bears in exchange for multiple high pedigree picks, including two first rounders. The Bears quickly extended Mack, making him the highest-paid defender in league history at the time.

Parsons, 25, has been a better player than Mack was at that point in his career. Not only is he two years younger, but he's a four-time Pro Bowler, was top-three in DPOY three times to Mack's one, and is a three-time All-Pro (to Mack's one) and was the defensive rookie of the year. Parsons also has position flex, capable of being both an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. It stands to reason he'd be worth more in a trade than Mack, and still be signed to a record-setting deal by his acquiring team.

For this exercise, that team is the New England Patriots, who were willing to meet the Cowboys' demands on draft night, as soon as Dallas saw their target on the board at the No. 4 slot. For readers who want to skip the details, scroll down to the "Total Haul" section to see everyone Dallas walked away from Draft Weekend with.

Mock Trade Details

Dallas sends Micah Parsons to the Patriots for 1.4, 2.38, 5.144, 2026 first rounder, 2027 third rounder. The Patriots give Parsons a five-year $205 million contract with $90 million fully guaranteed.

1.4: Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State

Out with one Nittany Lion, in with another. Dallas would have to be in love with an edge rusher in order to move on from Parsons, and Carter fits the bill.

Scouting Report Link

1.12: Safety Malaki Starks, Georgia

Starks has Pro Bowl potential and has the ability to be a slot defender as well as a single-high or split safety; he's that talented. If Dallas doesn't resolve their nickel corner role with a high-pedigree player in free agency, Starks can start there as a rookie, no problem. If they have a NCB, he can replace Donovan Wilson or Malik Hooker, neither of which is a perfect fit in a split-safety system.

Scouting Report Link

Trade Back: 2.38, 5.144 to Denver Broncos for 2.51, 3.85

Trade Back: 2.44, 5.149, 6.204 to Los Angeles Chargers for 2.55, 3.86

Two trade backs in the second as the board didn't show great value for what Dallas was looking to accomplish in this thin draft.

2.51: Tight End Elijah Arroyo, Miami

Scouting Report Link

2.55: Cornerback Darien Porter, Iowa State

Stop if you've heard this before: a converted WR with little experience has insane ball skills and is only scratching the surface. Now add track speed to Trevon Diggs and throw in that Porter is an Academic All-American. Steal.

Scouting Report Link

Trade Up: 3.85, 3.86, 5.174 to Houston Texans for 2.58, 5.166

2,58: RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

Scouting Report Link

Trade Back: 3.76, 5.171 to New York Giants for 3.99, 4.105, 5.154

3.99: WR Isaiah Bond, Texas

Scouting Report Link

4.105: QB Will Howard, Ohio State

Scouting Report Link

Trade: 5.154 to New England Patriots for QB Joe Milton III

The Cowboys were recently suggested as a trade destination for the laser-armed Milton, and we flesh that out here.

Remaining Picks

5.166: DT Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina

6.211: TE Luke Lachey, Iowa

7.239: RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State

7.247: G Clay Webb, Jacksonville State

Post-Draft Free Agency

The Cowboys left some holes to fill, but in this mock exercise, they'd already worked out agreements with the representative of two position players to sign deals post-draft. This allows them to not be a part of the Comp Pick Formula, meaning Dallas will still get their allotment of free picks in 2026 for free-agents lost in 2025.

DT Calais Campbell - Campbell is still kicking at the ripe age of 38, a testament to his conditioning. A mammoth of a tackle, he'll join an interior rotation with Mazi Smith to hold down the fort alongside Osa Odighizuwa.

OG Will Hernandez - Hernandez was thriving in Arizona's offensive line before a knee injury wrecked his 2024. Reuniting with his OL coach and new OC Klayton Adams makes too much sense. He slids in ahead of Robert Jones, signed earlier in free agency, giving the Cowboys ridiculous interior depth with Jones, Brock Hoffman and TJ Bass

Total Haul

QB: Will Howard, Ohio State + Joe Milton III (Patriots)

RB: TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State + Ollie Gordon, Oklahoma State

WR/TE: Elijah Arroyo, Miami + Isaiah Bond, Texas + Luke Lachey, Iowa

OL: Will Hernandez (FA) + Clay Webb, Jacksonville State

Edge: Abdul Carter, Penn State (lost Micah Parsons)

DT: Calais Campbell (FA) + Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina

CB: Darien Porter, Iowa State

Safety: Malaki Starks, Georgia

Future Draft Picks: Patriots 2026 1st rounder, Patriots 2027 3rd rounder

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Dallas Cowboys mock draft trades Parsons for two Patriots 1st rounders

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