Lions Should Not Take the Bait on Adding $17 Million Star Player

The Detroit Lions just fell to the Los Angeles Chargers in the annual Hall of Fame game on Thursday, July 31, and it wasn’t pretty. What made it worse is that a lot of football enthusiasts were watching around the country, because it was the first game of the preseason, and the Lions really couldn’t have done worse.

At least we learned from the game that the Lions do not have a reliable quarterback No. 2. They also need some help in the defender area, but that’s been known for the entire offseason.

Now, one of the league’s best defensive ends wants out of his current team, so naturally, many NFL experts and analysts are naming the Detroit Lions as a good landing spot for him. But, the Lions shouldn’t take the bait. Here’s why it could be a bad move.

GettyJared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions reacts after throwing an interception during the second quarter against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Detroit Lions and Star Defensive End

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons wants out, and the Lions could be a landing spot for him. But, not so fast. In a feature published on Saturday, Aug. 2, Nick Halden of Detroit Jock City states his thoughts on the matter, and he doesn’t think it’s a good fit.

In the piece, he states the truism that “the Lions are the rare example of a team that should have zero interest in adding the star player. The first and most obvious hurdle is the salary cap situation and finding any scenario where you are able to add Parsons and pay the star what he deserves.”

He adds, “The entire reason for the potential divorce in Dallas is the failure of the Cowboys to give Parsons a top-dollar deal. With this in mind, the Lions are already ruled out as a potential landing spot.”

However, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report likes the idea, stating, “The Cowboys don’t appear eager to trade Parsons at all, and they probably have even less interest in trading him within the conference. However, the Detroit Lions should be very interested in trying to swing a deal.”

But, frankly, a Lions and Parsons deal would not make for a match made in Heaven. He would drain the team financially. The Lions would be much better off getting Za’Darius Smith back in the Motor City.

Will Parsons End Up with a Detroit Lions Rival?

So, should the Lions worry about Parsons ending up with one of their NFC North rivals? Probably not. He’s just too expensive.

“It seems the most likely path remains Parsons and Dallas finding a way to resolve the current situation and signing an extension,” Halden states in his feature. “However, even if things continue to devolve and a deal is done, the Lions simply cannot entertain chasing after the star with the current core and the heights the team is already capable of reaching.”

So, this is a situation where the house of your dreams is on the market, but it’s $5 million, and that’s way more than you’re willing, or able, to spend. So, it’s a no-go. Sorry, Parsons, you’re best to stick with the Cowboys until further notice.