The Indianapolis Colts are likely in no position to make a trade for Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons. Indy's biggest challenge isn't on the defensive side of the ball anyway. If Parsons were a high-end quarterback, maybe things would be different.
Still, Parsons wants to be traded from Dallas, and while the Cowboys don't have to honor the request, the team might as well kick the proverbial tires. Parsons could leave next year in free agency, or if franchise-tagged, leave the year after.
Either way, unless things change and Micah Parsons and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones work out a huge extension, the edge rusher is likely to be gone soon, so why shouldn't Dallas try to get a decent amount in return for dealing Parsons?
Micah Parsons being traded from the Dallas Cowboys could be an issue for the Indianapolis Colts
Normally, such questions might not matter to the Indianapolis Colts, as Dallas plays in a different division and conference. But Parsons being traded could wind up being a huge problem for Indy. The Colts might not make a move for him, but an AFC South rival might.
Perhaps the biggest worry would be if the Houston Texans decide they want to add to an already good edge rush rotation with the generationally great Parsons. Houston has won the division the last two seasons, and is the favorite entering 2025, too. The Tennessee Titans are rebuilding, the Colts have QB issues, and the Jacksonville Jaguars always find a way to implode.
Long-term, there is a very good chance that the Colts, even with the team's quarterback issues, will battle with the Texans for the division crown year in and year out. The Cowboys' edge rusher is only 26 years old, and if he is traded, his new team will probably quickly sign him to an extension.
Houston is already a problem. If they add Parsons, the Texans will become a much larger one. Will Anderson, Jr., and Micah Parsons could be the most fearsome pass-rushing duo in the league for the next six to eight years.
Houston has the draft capital to try to acquire Parsons, too. In 2026, the Texans have a first-round pick and two second-round choices. Houston could part with two of those three and be OK. While the Texans don't have tons of draft capital in 2026, they do in 2027, so they can afford the Dallas star.
As Houston has a young quarterback in the person of C.J. Stroud, this is the time they should go all-in on adding other proven players. If the Texans somehow acquire Micah Parsons, the Indianapolis Colts hopefully climb to the top of the AFC South would get much tougher.