According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Carolina inquired about Parsons but ultimately backed off once it became clear Dallas wanted defensive tackle Derrick Brown in any deal.
Derrick Brown Was Untouchable
Fowler revealed that while the Panthers were interested, they never made a formal offer. The Cowboys, intent on getting a premier interior defensive lineman in return, targeted Brown as the centerpiece. Despite missing nearly all of 2024 with a meniscus tear, Brown is one of Carolina’s defensive cornerstones, coming off a 2023 Pro Bowl season in which he set an NFL record for tackles by a defensive tackle.
With his importance magnified after the Panthers’ league-worst run defense last season, general manager Dan Morgan wasn’t willing to move him.
The #Panthers checked in with Dallas about Micah Parsons, per @JFowlerESPN. Talks never went far—Carolina made it clear Derrick Brown wasn’t on the table. #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/qs8PrJ9lJR
— SleeperPanthers (@SleeperCarolina) September 2, 2025
Why Carolina Backed Out
The Cowboys ultimately received two first-round picks and Kenny Clark from Green Bay, along with Parsons agreeing to a four-year, $188 million extension. For Carolina, meeting that price would have meant losing Brown, multiple premium picks, and then committing to Parsons’ record-breaking contract.
For a roster still in rebuild mode, it wasn’t feasible, even if Parsons would’ve provided the Panthers with their most dominant edge rusher since Julius Peppers.
The #Panthers inquired about trading for Micah Parsons, but they didn’t want to move Pro-Bowl DT Derrick Brown as a result, according to @JFowlerESPN. pic.twitter.com/DlrjJUVDCd
— ✰ (@ThomasWrrld) September 2, 2025
The Panthers invested heavily in defense through the draft and free agency this offseason, but questions remain after last year’s collapse. If progress comes in 2025, Carolina could be more aggressive in swinging for a star down the line.
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