Nabers recently acknowledged that he desperately wants to return to the field after suffering his serious knee injury, but emphasized that he cannot afford to jeopardize the rest of his career for the sake of playing in one game. His comments immediately generated discussion because the Giants receiver still has not confirmed whether he will play against Dallas in Week 1.

Parsons then entered the conversation with a remarkably brief message on his official X account. Rather than criticizing Nabers or clearly defending him, the Packers pass rusher simply questioned why anyone would have an issue with what the Giants star said, creating even more confusion around an already uncertain situation.

Micah Parsons and his message about Malik Nabers

Micah Parsons wrote: “I’m confused on what’s wrong with this statement?” The message immediately caught attention because there does not appear to be any obvious controversy in Nabers’ comments. The Giants receiver was simply explaining that he has wanted to return for a long time, but does not want to make a rushed decision that could put his career at risk.

That is what makes Parsons’ reaction so intriguing. Nobody had clearly established that Nabers’ statement was “wrong,” at least based on the comments themselves. Nabers’ position was essentially that he wants to play, but that he also has to consider the bigger picture after spending nearly a year recovering from a major knee injury. Parsons may have been responding to criticism of Nabers that surfaced elsewhere, but he did not explain what prompted his post.

The timing also makes the message particularly interesting because Parsons understands the importance of protecting a player’s long-term health while dealing with an injury himself. The Packers star has been recovering from a knee injury and is working toward his own return, making his reaction to Nabers’ cautious approach potentially more meaningful. Still, without further clarification from Parsons, it is impossible to know exactly what he meant.

For now, the message has only added another mystery to the Giants-Cowboys buildup. Nabers remains a major question mark for Sunday’s blockbuster matchup, while Parsons’ unexpected reaction has sparked a different question: what exactly was he responding to? Unless the Packers star provides more context, fans may be left to interpret a message that seemed to raise a controversy without explaining what the controversy actually was.

Parsons was recently asked who he thinks will lead the league in sacks this season, and he named Will Anderson Jr. “That Houston team, they set the standard of how football is played. I tip my hat to them. I think Will Anderson Jr. is going to lead the league in sacks this year, 18 sacks. This is the year he really breaks out,” Parsons said on Bleacher Report.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Anderson led the league in sacks, and with the help he has on the defensive line, somebody is bound to have a good season. Anderson could very well be that player, having already shown glimpses of what he can do last season.

Another stat Anderson already leads

Anderson is not only aiming to lead the league in sacks, according to Parsons, but it is also a fact that he is one of the highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL — another reason why expectations surrounding him are so high.

The position has handed out a lot of money to players in recent years, with 29 edge rushers currently set to make at least $16 million per season in average annual salary, led by Anderson, who is earning an average of $50 million per season.

Anderson Jr. has company on the list of the top-paid edge rushers in the NFL. The Packers’ Micah Parsons ranks second at $46.5 million per season, with the Detroit Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson third at $45 million per season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt is fourth among the highest-paid NFL edge rushers with an average salary of $41 million per year. Danielle Hunter comes in fifth with a salary of $40.1 million per season.

The Texans’ other top options

Outside of Anderson, the Texans have Danielle Hunter, Sheldon Rankins, Jadeveon Clowney and others to pick up the load, and they’ll be causing problems for offenses this season.

The Texans have the chance of being one of the better teams in the AFC this season, but it may come down to how they perform on offense. With a few injuries hurting them on that side of the ball last season, they weren’t able to find much of a rhythm, but they did just enough to stay in the fold.

Jones recently spoke about the outcome of the Parsons trade during training camp in Oxnard, California. It has been nearly one year since the deal was completed, a move that shocked many fans at the time. Still, Jones expressed satisfaction and told reporters he has no regrets about letting Parsons leave.

According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Jones said: “Even though Micah is an outstanding talent [that] anybody would like to have, the bottom line is that I like what the result of the trade has ended up as I stand here today. You could say those picks got us key players, but the main thing that the Herschel Walker trade did, it caused me to be more aggressive and caused us to, if you will, take more risk because we had more picks.”

A risk they had to take

According to Jones, it was a necessary risk to continue growing for the future, especially given the picks they now hold and the options those assets provide. He added that it eventually allowed them to take more risks and improve the team.

“So, in a way, this actually created a mental part to us and to my role in it with me, to step out and make the moves and take, if you will, risks that are involved to be where we are today, with a complete makeover of the defense,” Jones said. Indeed, the Cowboys used Parsons’ departure to strengthen their roster in different areas.

Jones has already capitalized on Parsons trade

The Cowboys traded Parsons on Aug. 28, 2025, to the Packers in exchange for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027. These picks were subsequently used to acquire All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets and select defensive end Malachi Lawrence in the draft.

The trade also allowed them to generate significant salary cap flexibility, which proved very useful. It was key to signing safety Jalen Thompson, acquiring pass rusher Rashan Gary, and giving Williams his recent three-year contract extension.

Parsons provided an update on his rehabilitation process, making it clear that the Packers are taking a cautious approach with his recovery timeline. According to Rob Demovsky, the player explained that the injury involved more than just an ACL tear, which has extended the expected return date.

“Five months into his ACL rehab, Micah Parsons said he has four more months to go, saying that they have a strict nine-month rule especially for players who had more than just the ACL tear, revealing that he also had a meniscus procedure.”

How long is Micah Parsons out with Packers?

Micah Parsons will be out at least four games of the 2026 season. His comments became even more significant after NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared additional details regarding the Packers’ plans.

“Packers star Micah Parsons makes clear that he’ll begin the 2026 season on the PUP list, offering a target of mid-October until he’s on the field. With a long career ahead, no shortcuts.”

What happens to a player on the PUP list?

The Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list carries major implications. By opening the season on the reserve PUP list, Parsons will be required to miss at least the first four games of the regular season. That means Green Bay will have to navigate the opening month without one of the NFL’s premier defensive playmakers.

When will Micah Parsons come back?

Micah Parsons also emphasized the team’s strict nine-month recovery rule following his ACL injury. Given that timeline, a return around mid-October now appears to be the most realistic target, assuming there are no setbacks during the final stages of rehab.

Parsons is one of the NFL’s biggest stars after an impressive start to his career with the Dallas Cowboys and now with the Green Bay Packers following one of the most surprising trades in league history.

For his part, Tomlin decided to end his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons and a Super Bowl title with the historic franchise. Now, the veteran head coach is ready for a new chapter in his career.

Micah Parsons makes interesting ‘offer’ to Mike Tomlin

Micah Parsons and Mike Tomlin shared a warm exchange, with the veteran coach telling the star pass rusher, “Man, you just made my night.” Then, in a moment that caught everyone by surprise, Parsons invited Tomlin to join the Packers. “We got a spot for you. Just keep coming North.”

Mike Tomlin’s new job

Mike Tomlin is unlikely to accept Micah Parsons’ offer to join the Packers as an assistant coach or consultant, especially after signing a contract to become an NBC analyst beginning with the 2026 season.

However, in a particularly interesting moment, Parsons appeared to be completely serious about recruiting Tomlin, even though Matt LaFleur is currently the team’s head coach.

After watching Team USA dominate all matchups, the star defender took to social media and wrote: “Team USA giving us belt I guess they will be in the Olympics lol.” The comment quickly gained traction as fans began discussing who should represent the United States at Los Angeles 2028.

Team USA won comfortably in three games against high-profile names, including Tom Brady, Joe Burrow, Rob Gronkowski, Davante Adams, and Saquon Barkley. Despite the star power, the exhibition highlighted the speed, spacing, and chemistry of experienced flag football players. The results fueled the growing argument that specialized athletes, rather than current NFL stars, may be better suited for Olympic competition.

Why flag football is different from the NFL?

Micah Parsons expanded on that idea in another post, explaining why NFL quarterbacks in particular struggled during the event. “I’m honestly not surprised NFL QBs are struggling in Olympic play. The majority of explosive plays in the NFL come off unscheduled plays where the play is extended!!” His point emphasized how flag football relies more on timing, quick reads, and structured spacing than broken-play improvisation.

Will NFL players participate in 2028 Olympics flag football?

That contrast may ultimately shape Team USA’s Olympic roster decisions. While NFL stars bring talent and recognition, experienced flag football players operate within a different rhythm and strategy. With Los Angeles 2028 approaching, the debate over who should represent the United States is already underway, and Parsons’ comments have only added fuel to the conversation.

The discussion has intensified as flag football prepares for its Olympic debut in Los Angeles 2028. Many assumed active NFL talent would easily dominate the format, but the Fanatics event showed a different reality. Parsons’ reaction echoed a broader sentiment: the transition from tackle football to flag football is not as simple as putting elite NFL players on the field.

Now, after Pickens’ numbers playing alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, there is no room for hesitation for Jerry Jones. Either he pays him more than $35 million per season, or George will walk out the door as a free agent.

This scenario will lead Jones to once again face David Mulugheta, the agent with whom he had many issues while trying to secure a deal for Micah Parsons. A few months ago, the owner said he had a verbal agreement with the defensive star, but when Mulugheta saw that the terms were not favorable for his client, the negotiations fell apart and Jerry chose to send Micah to Green Bay.

George Pickens’ contract extension with Dallas Cowboys

During the Pro Bowl Games ahead of the Super Bowl, Micah Parsons and George Pickens were interviewed by Clarence Hill Jr. and DLLS Sports. This was the wide receiver’s response when he was asked if it was likely that the money Jerry Jones saved with Parsons would end up in Pickens’ pockets.

“I mean, it’s a possibility. Everything in life is a possibility. We definitely could have used Micah Parsons. We could have used his talents. He was in Dallas for a long time. He loved it. But all I can say it’s a very high possibility (Jones using Parsons’ money for him).”

The interesting part of the situation is whether Jones will be willing to give Pickens a better contract than CeeDee Lamb, who signed a four-year, $136 million deal in 2024. It does not seem likely that Mulugheta will accept less, and that could create major controversy inside the locker room.

Both LaFleur and General Manager Brian Gutekunst are entering the final year of their contracts, prompting many to question whether they will actually return to the team given what’s ahead.

According to NFL reporter Adam Schefter on his X account, both are hoping for a positive meeting with the franchise, and it’s expected that they could extend their contracts with the Packers for a few more years.

Evidently, the main goal is to continue on this path, aiming for Love and his teammates to achieve results in the short term and eventually return to the Super Bowl.

Building a competitive team

The Green Bay Packers are fully committed to building a powerhouse around Jordan Love for a 2026 title run, headlined by their latest blockbuster acquisition of Micah Parsons.

To secure the elite pass rusher, Green Bay traded its 2026 and 2027 first-round picks along with Kenny Clark to the Cowboys, a high-stakes move intended to transform its defense into a championship-caliber unit once Parsons returns from his late-2025 ACL injury.

Offensively, the team is banking on the explosive trio of Josh Jacobs, Christian Watson, and rising star Matthew Golden to provide Love with the weapons needed to lead a high-octane attack.

By pairing a generational defensive talent with a versatile group of playmakers, the Packers have signaled to the rest of the league that they are officially in “win-now” mode for the 2026 season.

“Y’all want me to feel bad? Jerry Jones slandered my name to Cowboys media and national media for months. So, I do think I can react to comment if I want to! Respectfully.”

According to Jones, the plan to build a Super Bowl contender was to trade Parsons, free up salary cap space, and, with the first-round picks he obtained, rebuild the team by acquiring several players via trades or the draft.

What was the Micah Parsons trade?

The Micah Parsons trade was the move that sent the star defensive player to the Green Bay Packers. In return, the Cowboys received two first-round picks and Kenny Clark. Weeks later, using part of that capital, Jerry Jones acquired Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson.

Why did the Cowboys trade Micah Parsons?

The Cowboys traded Micah Parsons because Jerry Jones was not willing to pay him $48 million on a four-year contract. Now, following the defensive end’s controversial comments, the owner responded in an interview with 105.3 The Fan by saying that his plan was precisely to acquire more players to strengthen the roster.

“Well, I wish Micah the very best. Micah just outgrew our ability to pay. He’s a great player. I’d love to have Micah on the team, but we just couldn’t afford him. We wanted four or five players more than we did him. But he’s outstanding. I understand his sensitivity and can even understand these comments, but, the facts are the facts. When you just put it on one player, that player can get hurt. If you got it on four or five players, the chances of all them getting hurt are not there. It never was personal with Micah.”

Diggs joined the Packers earlier this week after being released by the Dallas Cowboys. Shortly after the move, a Cowboys fan criticized Diggs on social media, pointing to his declining Pro Football Focus grades over the past few seasons as evidence of regression.

That criticism draws a response from Pro Bowl edge rusher Micah Parsons, who quickly comes to Diggs’ defense. Parsons replies publicly, questioning the need to disparage a player who is no longer part of the organization. “I feel like what point is there in trying to publicly disrespect someone?” Parsons writes. “He’s not representing the star anymore, just give the man a farewell and wish him the best.”

Parsons continues by emphasizing Diggs’ opportunity for a fresh start. “I don’t know why everything has to be negative every time a breakup happens. He’s in a better situation right now, trust me. He’s going to be great again,” Parsons adds. Both players previously played key roles on Dallas’ defense before Parsons was traded to Green Bay prior to the season in a move that shocked the league.

Trevon Diggs close to debut vs Vikings

The Packers add Diggs as defensive reinforcement late in the NFL season, following an injury-filled year that limited his availability in Dallas. Now, Diggs moves closer to making his debut with Green Bay, potentially as soon as Week 18 against Minnesota.

Head coach Matt LaFleur provides an update on Diggs’ status, highlighting the cornerback’s experience and playmaking ability. “He’s a guy who certainly has a ton of experience and has played at a really high level. He has incredible talent and a great ability to take the ball away,” LaFleur said, according to reporter Weston Hodkiewicz.

LaFleur notes that Diggs could play this week, though his availability remains uncertain. Diggs appears in only eight games this season due to a concussion and a right knee injury. He does not record an interception or pass breakup, finishing with one tackle, which comes against Green Bay in Week 4, adding another layer of intrigue ahead of his potential debut against the Vikings.

In Week 15, Parsons tore his ACL during the Packers’ matchup against the Denver Broncos. The devastating injury officially ended his season, drawing reactions from several NFL figures—including Jones—following the unfortunate news surrounding one of the league’s top defensive players.

“I’m sad for Micah. That’s quite a challenge,” Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan, per Jon Machota. “I wish him the very best on his recovery. Michael Irvin said when he had his big surgery during, I think, his second year with the Cowboys, he said he realized what football really did mean to him.

“And he said the surgery really launched him into the best part of his career, because he got to feel what it might look like not to play again. There’s a lot of ways you can couch this thing. But, Micah, I wish you the very best.“

A major blow for the Packers

When Green Bay acquired Micah Parsons, the move was made with one clear goal in mind: strengthening the defense for a Super Bowl run. Unfortunately, the Packers will now have to pursue that ambition without their defensive star.

Parsons was enjoying an outstanding season in Green Bay following his trade from Dallas. He finished his campaign with 12.5 sacks, just 1.5 shy of his career-high mark in a single season—production that played a significant role in the Packers’ defensive success.

Injuries have plagued Green Bay throughout the season, and the loss of Parsons is among the most significant. During the same game against Denver, the Packers also lost wide receiver Christian Watson. Fortunately, his injury is not expected to sideline him for more than one game, depending on his recovery.

Can the Packers make the 2026 playoffs?

Following their Week 15 loss to the Broncos, the Packers surrendered the NFC North lead to the Chicago Bears. Although Green Bay defeated Chicago in Week 14, the loss dropped the club back into second place in the division.

The two teams will meet again in Week 16, giving the Packers a chance to reclaim first place with a victory. As it stands, Green Bay is currently the No. 7 seed in the NFC, holding the final Wild Card spot as the playoff race tightens.