Micah Parsons isn't going anywhere, but what if he did?

Despite swirling trade rumors, the Dallas Cowboys and Micah Parsons appear to be on the same page when it comes to his future in Dallas. League insiders say both sides are "extremely confident" that a long-term deal will get done, and soon. Parsons reportedly favors a five-year contract with an average annual salary of $40 million, potentially making him one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently echoed this optimism, revealing that he and Parsons, though not yet his agent, have agreed on several important elements of the contract. That level of transparency has only fueled speculation that a monster extension, possibly worth up to $200 million, could be finalized in the near future.

Fantasy trade proposals stir fan debate

Still, in the NFL, nothing is ever off the table, and media outlets have jumped at the chance to imagine what a trade involving Parsons might look like. One hypothetical scenario? Dallas sends Parsons to the New England Patriots in exchange for a haul of draft picks, including two first-rounders and multiple mid-round selections across three years.

That imagined trade would give Dallas the No. 4 pick in this year's draft, and in that version of events, the Cowboys snag another Penn State linebacker, Abdul Carter, to replace Parsons. They also keep their original pick at No. 12, giving them two opportunities to reshape the defense with cheaper, rookie-contract talent.

Finding another Micah isn't so easy

Of course, there's a big problem with this fantasy: Micah Parsons isn't just any defender. He's a once-in-a-generation player who's been the cornerstone of the Cowboys' defense since the day he was drafted. Swapping him out for a rookie, even a highly-touted one,is a massive gamble, especially if that player isn't available when Dallas picks.

If Carter is taken at No. 3, or other targets like Travis Hunter go off the board early, the entire plan falls apart. And even if they land their guy, there's no guarantee he'll come close to matching Parsons' production, leadership, or star power.

Reality check: Parsons is a franchise pillar

While it's fun for fans to play "what if," the Cowboys seem firmly committed to keeping Parsons in the building, and rightfully so. As the team continues working out the fine print of his next deal, one thing is clear: Dallas is betting on Parsons as the foundation of their future.