A look at the Las Vegas Raiders’ potential pursuit of Micah Parsons—the draft capital, financial hurdles, and championship calculus behind a blockbuster trade possibility.
The possibility of the Raiders making a blockbuster move for Parsons is enough to make the West Coast quake—but before Raider Nation starts dreaming of No. 11 in Silver and Black, the math needs to be checked. According to ESPN’s Your Boy Q, a Parsons deal would cost more than what Chicago famously paid to grab Khalil Mack in 2018—meaning Oppenheimer-level draft capital, likely two and possibly even three future first-rounders. And that’s before you consider the wallet-melting contract extension that would come with him.
Is “Micah Parsons to the Raiders” feasible?
At this point, the situation becomes complex. Parsons would demand a deal exceeding Maxx Crosby’s—and Athlon Sports’ Phil Robinson III points out that ponying up $85-plus million per year tied up in two pass rushers simply isn’t sustainable, especially if you’re trying to build out other areas like the offensive line, cornerback, or the ever-mysterious quarterback spot. Handing out superstar money only works when trophies are involved. That’s not pressure—that’s reality. Sorry if that bursts your bubble, folks.
This brings us back to John Spytek, the new general manager of the Raiders. We asked Raider Nation via Twitter/X whether he should seriously consider trading multiple first-round picks for Parsons. Let’s assume that the trade might actually materialize.
If you’re Raiders GM John Spytek, do you give up two, potentially three, first round picks for Micah Parsons? pic.twitter.com/V49PPM883C
— RaiderRamble.com™ (@TheRaiderRamble) August 1, 2025
It could depend more on mindset than on production. Is this club ready to win, or is it still working on its base? Parsons is a unique talent who transforms the game with each snap. Putting him together with Crosby may make the league’s most feared pass-rushing pair right away. But will giving up future assets and cap space hurt the rest of the team?
The vision is captivating: Maxx and Micah relentlessly pursuing Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. However, in today’s NFL, even the most daring teams must choose their luxuries wisely. Unless the Raiders believe that a Super Bowl is within reach currently, the idea of Parsons in silver and black seems more like a fantasy than a feasible reality.
Related: Key Takeaways From Mock Game In Las Vegas
*Top Photo: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images