The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2: Breaking Down the Micah Parsons Trade with Todd Archer & Rob Demovsky

Date: August 29, 2025
Podcast: The Dan Patrick Show
Guests: Todd Archer (ESPN NFL Nation reporter – Dallas Cowboys), Rob Demovsky (ESPN NFL Nation reporter – Green Bay Packers)
Main Theme: In-depth analysis and reaction to the blockbuster trade of star linebacker Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers, with exclusive insider insights from both teams’ beat writers.

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the shockwaves from the trade of Micah Parsons, one of the NFL's most dynamic defensive players. Dan Patrick is joined by ESPN insiders Todd Archer (Cowboys) and Rob Demovsky (Packers) to break down how the deal happened, why it happened now, and what it means for both franchises moving forward. The discussion explores front office strategies, locker room dynamics, and the broader impact on the landscape of the NFC. The episode also features passionate (and humorous) reactions from the Dan Patrick Show crew and callers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. How Did the Parsons Trade Happen?

Guest: Todd Archer (Cowboys)
Segment: 07:01 – 15:33

• Breakdown of failed negotiations:

  • Jerry Jones’ oft-quoted line “don’t let your money get mad” was cited – but “I think his money got mad in this situation when he wasn’t able to work out the contract with Micah Parsons.”
  • No active negotiations between Parsons and the Cowboys; ended with the team insisting Parsons play on his 5th-year option (08:23).
  • "That kind of set all the balls in motion towards this trade with Green Bay." – Todd Archer (08:36)
  • The deal materialized quickly once Green Bay reached a long-term agreement with Parsons.

• Missed opportunity to maximize value:

  • Dan questions why Dallas didn’t trade Parsons before the draft to create a bidding war:
    • “If you know you’re not going to sign him, at least create some leverage, a bidding war… That’s what I don’t understand.” – Dan Patrick (09:10)
  • Archer: The Cowboys claimed this was "the best they could do right now" and worried about a holdout impacting the season.

2. Cowboys Front Office Dynamics

Segment: 12:19 – 15:33

• Ownership structure complicates decision-making:

  • The unique GM/owner dynamic with Jerry and Stephen Jones leads to a lack of clear accountability.
  • “Everybody who says Jerry needs to fire the GM… this is the case where the GM didn’t have an owner telling them what to do either.” – Dan Patrick (13:38)
  • Jerry told media it was a “unanimous decision” involving organizational leaders and a leadership council of players—though skepticism remains about the sincerity of player buy-in.

• Locker room and Parsons’ persona:

  • Some teammates “annoyed” by Parsons’ behavior (e.g., not naming Dak as a top QB, work ethic, public antics).
  • “I think teammates… for sure some former guys, were just annoyed at times by Micah. Great. But they always understood his production on the field is what mattered most.” – Todd Archer (15:08)

3. Packers’ Motivation and Shift in Philosophy

Guest: Rob Demovsky (Packers)
Segment: 21:36 – 32:59

• How the deal started:

  • Packers GM Brian Gutekunst asked coach Matt LaFleur, “Would you want Micah Parsons?” "Of course." (23:05)
  • Green Bay worked quickly once the opportunity presented itself, confident their team infrastructure could handle Parsons' larger-than-life personality and entourage.

• Fit and on-field impact:

  • Packers haven’t had a double-digit sack player since before Parsons entered the league (2020). His presence should boost both the pass rush and fellow rusher Rashan Gary (24:22).

• Cultural change in Green Bay:

  • “This has been kind of un-Packer-like… take a wide receiver in the first round, you know, you take a big swing and you go Micah Parsons.” (25:36)
  • Influence of new president Ed Policy (son of NFL executive Carmen Policy) viewed as a factor in the team's new boldness.
    • “He talked about how… he watched his dad make these bold moves that almost always, not always, but almost always turned out for the better.” – Rob Demovsky (27:34)

4. Cowboys’ Identity Crisis and Reaction

Hosts’ Discussion: 33:01 – 41:54

• Indecisiveness costs Dallas:

  • “The Cowboys have been indecisive… with Dak… with Micah Parsons.” – Dan Patrick (33:40)
  • “If you’re going to do something, then I would say, keep doing something. But they won’t, because Jerry still needs shiny objects.” (35:55)
  • Reference to the Herschel Walker trade as a moment when Dallas fully committed to a rebuild—contrasted with today’s mixed approach.

• Criticism by media and callers:

  • Quoting Ed Werder: “You do not trade Micah Parsons—not a week before the season opener and never to the Packers.” (36:59)
  • Behind-the-scenes: Jerry Jones was apparently upset that Parsons backed out of a “handshake agreement.” Dan Patrick weighs in on emotional ownership decisions.

5. Memorable Listener Calls & Show Banter

Call-in Segment: 41:55 – 56:12

• Caller roast of the Cowboys:
  • “Jerry Jones trading Micah Parsons to the Packers is peak Cowboys comedy. Green Bay’s got a Super Bowl ring in the last 30 years while Dallas is still polishing off VHS tapes of the 90s… Cowboys are still America’s team if America was a retirement home, living off Pat Florida.” – David in Ohio (43:20)
• Frustration with Cowboys transparency and priorities:
  • “Jerry will never admit his hand was forced… It’s gotta be that he made the trade to better the Cowboys. But… feeding his ego is [Jerry's] number one priority.” – Chris in Syracuse (44:36)
• Callers debate the value and market of Parsons’ contract, ripple effects on future contracts (Aidan Hutchinson, etc.), and discuss the nature of ownership “swinging for the fences” versus playing it safe.

6. Quotes of the Episode

• Todd Archer (on Cowboys’ locker room sentiment):

  “There have been teammates in Micah’s past and even probably some in the present that have been annoyed—might be the best word—by some of the things that he’s done… all that stuff might be little stuff, but when you start adding all that stuff together…” (15:00)

• Dan Patrick (on ownership and team strategy):

  “You have to stop offenses because the defense was terrible. Yes.” (52:54)
  "You can’t let feelings get involved in this. You can’t. But Jerry did." (53:31)

• Rob Demovsky (on Packers' new leadership):

  “Ed Policy… watched his dad make these bold moves that almost always, not always, but almost always turned out for the better.” (27:39)

• Dan Patrick (on Dallas’ indecision/inertia):

  “The Cowboys have been indecisive… If you’re all in on, we’re not going to pay, we’re going to get draft picks, you’re either in or out.” (34:11)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 07:01 – Todd Archer recounts how negotiations collapsed and the Cowboys’ strategy
• 09:10 – Dan questions timing of the trade vs. the draft
• 12:19 – Discussion of Cowboys’ decision-making structure
• 15:33 – Locker room and Parsons’ reputation in Dallas
• 21:36 – Rob Demovsky details Green Bay’s approach and Packers’ shift in philosophy
• 25:36 – Packers’ draft and personnel strategy shifts under Ed Policy
• 27:34 – Impact of Ed Policy’s heritage and bold move mentality
• 33:01 – Dan and crew debate Dallas’ indecision and lack of commitment
• 36:59 – Ed Werder’s pointed critique of the trade
• 43:20 – Call-in: “Peak Cowboys comedy” roast
• 52:54 – Dan Patrick on Dallas’ defense and trade logic
• 53:31 – Final word: Owner’s emotions and team-building failures

Episode Tone and Takeaways

• Tone: Wry, candid, occasionally exasperated, but always insightful. Dan Patrick and his team maintain their mix of humor and sharp analysis, supported by knowledgeable and candid insiders.
• Summary: The episode argues this was a franchise-defining (and potentially franchise-altering) trade for both the Cowboys and Packers. The discussion highlights how ownership style, internal politics, and missed opportunities shaped the outcome. While Green Bay is portrayed as bold and newly aggressive, Dallas is depicted as mired in old habits, indecision, and personal politics.

Notable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “I think his money got mad in this situation...”
  – Todd Archer (08:17)
• “If you know you’re not going to sign him, at least create some leverage, a bidding war…”
  – Dan Patrick (09:10)
• “You cannot convince an owner who’s not the general manager that the team would be better without Micah Parsons that particular season.”
  – Dan Patrick (13:35)
• “I think teammates… were just annoyed at times by Micah. Great. But they always understood his production… is what mattered most.”
  – Todd Archer (15:08)
• “Packers infrastructure… they have the infrastructure to make this work.”
  – Rob Demovsky (24:09)
• “This has been kind of un-Packer-like… Have the Packers changed their philosophy? I think the answer is yes.”
  – Rob Demovsky (25:44)
• “You do not trade Micah Parsons—not a week before the season opener and never to the Packers.”
  – Reciting Ed Werder tweet (36:59)
• “You can’t let feelings get involved in this. You can’t. But Jerry did.”
  – Dan Patrick (53:31)

Conclusion

This episode provides an authoritative look at one of the NFL’s most controversial trades in years, blending breaking news, inside access, and fan perspectives. For listeners who missed the show, this summary delivers the backdrop, context, key voices, and all the “can you believe this?” moments that define sports radio at its best.

For further details on the episode’s lighthearted closing banter, poll questions, or show trivia, check out the full episode replay on your podcast platform of choice.