Dallas Cowboys Trade Micah Parsons, Gain 2026 Draft Assets for Arch Manning

Following the Dallas Cowboys' blockbuster trade of star linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, speculation has surged that the team is positioning itself to draft Texas quarterback Arch Manning in the 2026 NFL Draft. The trade, which netted Dallas two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark, has been widely criticized but is seen by some, including former Cowboys star Dez Bryant, as a strategic move to acquire Manning, who is projected as a top draft pick. Despite Dak Prescott being the current franchise quarterback, the Cowboys appear to be planning a future rebuild, with multiple first-round picks available to potentially trade up for Manning. Arch Manning, grandson of Archie Manning and nephew to Eli and Peyton Manning, has yet to declare when he will enter the draft, though his family has hinted at the Cowboys as a possible landing spot. Jerry Jones has emphasized the trade was made with the team’s best interests in mind, signaling a shift toward long-term planning. This potential strategy reflects Dallas's intent to leverage its draft capital following Parsons' departure to reshape their roster around a prospective franchise quarterback.