The last few weeks have been very interesting in the NFC East. While the Eagles and Giants have been mostly quiet, both the Commanders and Cowboys have each had superstars request trades. For the Commanders, a thousand-yard receiver, Terry McLaurin, wants out, and for the Cowboys, star pass rusher Micah Parsons is in the same boat.
Some rumors were floating around about each player earlier in the offseason, not a surprise given both are on contracts set to expire after this season. Nonetheless, this happens every offseason: there was noise about T.J. Watt, and before his extension, even Myles Garrett requested a trade. Now that we've reached August, though, these mock trades have a lot more gravity.
On the surface, it doesn't make much sense for either team to trade their respective stars, and in the end, I'd expect neither team will let them go. McLaurin is coming off a 13-touchdown season, the most in his career. He was Jayden Daniels' most targeted player by a long shot and came away with 82 catches. Parsons has had at least 12 sacks in every season of his career, totaling 52.5 in four seasons.
There's plenty of reason to believe the Patriots should make a move for Terry McLaurin
While the Patriots made numerous additions this offseason, they could stand to make one more. Interestingly enough, though, CBS Sports contributors suggest they only go after one of the NFC East studs.
CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin listed off his top landing spots for Terry McLaurin, which included six teams, but did not include the Patriots. Interesting, but also questionable. The Patriots added Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams this offseason to a disappointing 2024 group, but that isn't so much talent to keep them from pursuing the former Buckeye.
The teams listed (Chiefs, 49ers, Jets) also have less uncertainty in their pass catchers than the Patriots do. Unless the Patriots were to put all their eggs in the Parsons basket, there isn't much reason for them not to look into McLaurin.
A blockbuster trade for a player like Micah Parsons would immediately make the Patriots' defense nearly unstoppable
CBS Sports' Garrett Podell not only placed the Patriots on his shortlist of teams that should have interest in Parsons, but they are also the first mentioned. Podell cited the Patriots' $60 million in cap room as a reason for their fit, and Vrabel's personality as a coach who loves physicality.
To me, this is the more obvious move. If Parsons truly is available, the Patriots would be foolish not to make a move for him. Currently, their edge defenders feature Harold Landry and Anfernee Jennings as the starters, with K'Lavon Chaisson and Bradyn Swinson behind. If the Patriots can make an upgrade through one of the best players in football, they need to find a way to do just that.
Vrabel preaches violence, and there may not be a more violent player in the league. At least two first-round picks would be the base for the deal, and Parsons would warrant close to $40 million a season (Watt got $41 million).
Kristofer Knox of Bleacher Report predicted Parsons to be traded to the Cardinals for a pair of first-round picks, a second and third rounder, and linebacker Zaven Collins as an add-in. The Patriots could easily offer a similar package, but perhaps with Jennings or Chaisson going the other direction.
Both are incredible players, but if the Patriots have to choose, Parsons is the clear better option. A 26-year-old DPOY candidate at a position of need doesn't come about often, especially not one who fits the exact mold for a culture a new coach is trying to build. The coaching staff preaches violence and has made it clear they're willing to spend on top players: the ex-Nittany Lion checks both boxes.