Dak Prescott was not completely surprised by the blockbuster trade of Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers.
The Cowboys stunned the NFL world last week when they decided to deal star pass rusher Parsons to their NFC rivals in exchange for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Parsons subsequently signed a four-year, $188 million contract with the Packers.
Parsons has established himself as arguably the premier pass rusher in the NFL, racking up 52.5 sacks in four seasons.
However, the Cowboys were unable to come to terms on an extension with a star whom most would consider to be their best player after extremely fractious negotiations, leading them to make the remarkable decision to deal him inside the conference.
Yet, for quarterback Prescott, it was not such an eyebrow-raising turn of events.
“I can’t say I was completely surprised, but I definitely didn’t think he was going to get traded,” Prescott told reporters on Sunday.
“Just with the way our negotiations went down, and to some extent it seemed like it got personal on their end. So, that’s why I wasn’t surprised.”
Few will expect the Cowboys to contend in the wake of the Parsons trade. However, Prescott, who will lead Dallas against the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener on Thursday, is ready to attack the challenge of silencing the doubters.
“I’m not going to say we’re better,” Prescott added. “We’ve got to go out there and prove it. We had to prove it even if he was on this team, so I’m not going to say that by any means.
“I know what adding a guy like Kenny Clark, adding a true leader, a real man that’s going to only elevate this team, who’s been a Pro Bowl player and is excited about being here [means].”
While Prescott is excited for the addition of Clark, he will soon have to deal with the threat posed by Parsons. The Cowboys face the Packers on September 28.
“He got paid very well and great for him and his family,” Prescott said. “And we’ll see him here in about a month.”
