Before landing Micah, Green Bay was eyeing Trey.
The Packers first set their sights on a trade for Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, sources say, before they pulled off the blockbuster trade of the offseason when they acquired star Micah Parsons from the Cowboys.
The Packers are among the teams that called and engaged the most with Cincinnati on a potential trade for Hendrickson this offseason, with an initial offer made for last season's sack leader.
In fact, standout defensive tackle Kenny Clark would also have been involved in the trade had the two sides come to an agreement, though Green Bay was not willing to part with him at that point in the process.
Based on Clark's value to Green Bay -- and based on Cincy driving a hard bargain due to how they never really wanted to trade Hendrickson -- the deal never happened.
The Bengals gave Hendrickson permission to seek a trade prior to April's 2025 NFL Draft and there was an openness from Cincinnati to at least consider offers throughout, as well. Late this summer, the Bengals appeared open to listening to proposals, wanting a standout player (like Clark) and a mid-round pick the following year in a potential trade.
The Bengals ultimately agreed to terms with Hendrickson on a big raise for this year -- $14 million -- and no extension on his current contact that is set to expire after the 2025 season.
This was always their goal as sources say owner Mike Brown and the team's brass preferred to keep Hendrickson because they are a better team with him.
At that point, the Packers pivoted to a bigger fish -- one they'd kept their eyes on throughout the offseason -- in Parsons.
Parsons, by the way, is expected to make his debut for the Packers on Sunday against the Lions, sources say, despite a facet joint sprain in his back that left him limited in practice this week and questionable on Friday's injury report.
It won't be a full compliment of plays, however, and Parsons likely will focus on rushing the passer (as opposed to moving around the defense). There will be a ramp-up period to make sure when he does play fully and is integrated, his body is ready.
That is coming.
The Packers have been thrilled with Parsons' contributions already, viewing him as a smart, savvy player whose leadership and effort are evident.
Landing Parsons' was the Packers' No. 1 goal this offseason, despite so many times when it seemed far-fetched. Green Bay views Parsons as a generational player, and the trade compensation -- two first-round picks and Clark -- shows that. It's why they were willing to deal Clark -- because of the player they were getting back in Parsons.
Parsons spoke to reporters this week and glowed about his initiation impressions of Green Bay.
"I've never been in a locker room with guys like this," Parsons said on Thursday. "I came in Tuesday for treatment, and I saw almost every guy in the locker room. This is the first time I've ever seen this. That shows just how much these guys want to be here. ... They just want to be around each other and hang out. That's important to have guys that want to come into the building. When you're around guys like that, it makes it exciting to come to work."
