Winning the NFC North in the upcoming 2025 season just became even more difficult for the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday after the Green Bay Packers reportedly made a trade with the Dallas Cowboys for All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, according to Adam Schefter
In addition to acquiring Parsons, the Packers and the talented pass rusher have also reportedly agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $188 million that includes $120 million in fully guaranteed money.
In order to land Parsons on Thursday, Green Bay reportedly sent Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kenny Clark and two first-round draft picks to the Cowboys.
Path to NFC North crown much tougher for the Minnesota Vikings after Green Bay Packers acquire Micah Parsons in trade with Dallas Cowboys
After winning 14 games in 2024, it has been fair to assume that the Vikings will be able to contend for the top of the NFC North in the upcoming season, even with J.J. McCarthy taking over as the team's starting quarterback in his second year with the franchise.
However, the chances of Minnesota winning the division in 2025 certainly took a hit on Thursday after the Packers acquired Parsons in what will likely go down as one of the most shocking trades in NFL history.
Does this mean the Vikings are totally out of contention to win the NFC North this season? Absolutely not. It's even fair to think that Minnesota should still be viewed as a favorite to finish on top of the division in 2025.
Who knows? Perhaps Parsons' acquisition turns out to be a massive flop for Green Bay, and it totally decimates their hopes for the upcoming season.
Given how dominant Parsons has been during his short time in the NFL, though, him succeeding in an ugly green and gold uniform seems more than likely.
Thankfully, the Vikings spent a significant amount of resources this offseason on improving their offensive line. So if there was ever a year in which Minnesota was prepared for a gigantic deal like the one that happened on Thursday, it's this one.