In the weeks following the trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, Jerry Jones has made a series of high-profile financial commitments, as the Dallas Cowboys owner spends money he wouldn’t give to the linebacker.
These moves aim to strengthen the roster, but they also set the stage for a dramatic showdown when Parsons returns to his former home at the AT&T Stadium this Sunday on September 28.
Jones’ recent acquisitions signal a significant investment in both talent and future stability as DaRon Bland (cornerback) received a $22 million signing bonus, whilst Hunter Luepke secured $1.5 million (fullback).
The cash splash didn’t stop there either as Tyler Smith (guard) signed a four-year, $96 million deal, making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL.
Collectively, these contracts elevated Dallas from 26th to 8th in league-wide cash commitments for 2025, leaving a bit of a sour taste surrounding the 26-year-old Parsons‘ exit.
But the players have already made tangible impacts as over 224 offensive snaps, Smith has not allowed a single sack whilst Bland, the 2023 record-holder for five pick-sixes, brings elite ball-hawking skills to the secondary, while Luepke has contributed both in the running game and as a reliable receiving option.
He’s made 15 career receptions and 57 yards as the 82-year-old Jones‘ aggressive spending clearly reflects a strategic vision to secure the team’s competitive edge in the NFC East.
However, the spotlight shifts as Parsons prepares to return to his former stomping ground as the linebacker’s start to the season may have been modest statistically, with only 1.5 sacks, but he has already generated 19 quarterback pressures, tied for third-most in the NFL.
Green Bay reportedly intends to move Parsons across the formation aggressively, reminiscent of Dan Quinn’s deployment strategies, a plan that quarterback Dak Prescott is fully aware of. “
It’ll definitely be fun,” Prescott said Thursday, joking about the surreal scenario: “me telling him he wouldn’t tackle me anyways, he still can’t bring me down.”
Parsons’ presence has historically had a dramatic effect on the Cowboys‘ defensive efficiency as from 2021 to 2024, Dallas recorded a league-best 40.2% quarterback pressure rate with Parsons on the field.
Without him, that number plummeted to 29.9%, ranking seventh-worst in the NFL, and the matchup against Jordan Love, a quarterback who thrives in clean pockets, accentuates this vulnerability so it could be a rough night for Jones.
Especially as Dallas has already allowed five passing touchdowns of 20-plus air yards this season, the most in the league at a figure that is nearly triple the next closest team.
Meanwhile, Green Bay’s offense relies heavily on explosive passing, with Love averaging 9.1 air yards per attempt, fourth in the NFL.
Cowboys vs Packers: Date, time and where to watch Week 4 clash
The Week 4 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers is set for Sunday at AT&T Stadium, with kickoff is scheduled for 20:20 ET/17:20 PT in Texas.
Live coverage is available on NBC and the Peacock streaming service as this clash marks Parsons’ first return to Dallas since the trade in August, creating a high-stakes scenario for both teams.
Fans can expect an intense defensive battle, particularly focused on how Dallas’ upgraded roster manages the versatile Parsons, and how Green Bay leverages his familiarity with the Cowboys’ offense.
This game could have significant implications for the NFC standings and within the East and North respectively, and could set the tone for the remainder of the season for both sides.
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