Micah Parsons Credits Eagles Star’s Hidden Push in Record $47M Packers Deal — "NFL’s Highest-Paid Non-Quarterback"

August 29, 2025 — The whispers of a blockbuster trade have now been confirmed by the man himself: Micah Parsons admitted that his close friend, Philadelphia Eagles superstar running back Saquon Barkley, played a decisive role in bringing him to the Green Bay Packers.

Parsons, now the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at $47 million per year, revealed that Barkley personally urged him to consider Green Bay when his relationship with the Cowboys deteriorated.

According to sources close to both stars, when Parsons was weighing interest from several teams — including the Packers, Raiders, Bills, Chargers, Patriots, Lions, and Buccaneers — Barkley didn’t just offer friendly advice. He painted Green Bay as the perfect fit for who Parsons is: from culture to style of play - "“If you want to prove you’re the best defender alive, go where your impact changes everything. Green Bay is that place." That conversation carried weight.

“Saquon’s been my brother since Penn State. He told me straight: Green Bay is built for you — the culture, the system, the hunger. He was right. I listened. That’s why I made the call myself to push this deal,” Parsons said.

Parsons didn’t wait for suitors to come knocking. With Barkley’s push in mind, he personally reached out to the Packers, laying the groundwork for a deal Dallas could no longer avoid.

By the end of negotiations, the Cowboys agreed to send Parsons to Green Bay in exchange for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark — a move Jerry Jones called “necessary to stop the run,” though one that immediately weakened Dallas’ pass rush.

For the Eagles, Barkley’s fingerprints are all over this shockwave. By luring his Penn State brother toward Lambeau, he not only reshaped Dallas’ future but also set up a potential NFC Championship clash between two of the league’s most dangerous teams.

Parsons himself isn’t shying away from that narrative:

“I know where Philly stands — they’re the standard. That’s my brother’s team. But Green Bay? We’re coming. And when we line up across from each other, it’ll be war.”

With his $47M annual deal, Parsons has officially become the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback, overtaking even stars like Aaron Donald and Tyreek Hill. More importantly, his leap from Dallas to Green Bay — aided by Barkley’s behind-the-scenes push — sets up one of the fiercest NFC storylines in recent memory.

Eagles fans may celebrate Barkley as their own franchise savior, but his influence may have just created their biggest obstacle on the road to another Super Bowl.