Packers' Micah Parsons denounces 'outrageous and rough' trade timing after dramatic breakup with Cowboys

Parsons had less than two weeks to prepare for Green Bay's season opener

Micah Parsons needed just one game to make a sizable impact for the Green Bay Packers as he recorded his first sack with his new team in the 27-13 win over the Detroit Lions. But after his debut, the former Dallas Cowboys star voiced his displeasure with the process that led to him suiting up in the green and gold. Parsons took particular exception with the timing of his blockbuster trade, which shipped him to Green Bay on Aug. 28, less than two weeks prior to the season opener.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been the subject of criticism for his handling of the Parsons saga, which defined the franchise's offseason and ultimately led to a bitter breakup. That it took Jones so long to pull off the trade did not sit well with the four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher.

"These last six months were super draining, super toxic for everyone," Parsons said after Sunday's win. "It's something that I don't think no player should have to go through. Players' fates should be decided earlier. The fact that I was traded a week before the season was really outrageous and rough. It's something where I could have been with these guys getting better and better, and we probably could have had probably an even more dominant start if that was the decision they were going to make."

To be clear, Parsons was the one who requested a trade in the first place. That came back on Aug. 1, though, and it took four weeks for the Cowboys to find a partner and execute the transaction. A more expeditious process could have benefited both sides, allowing Parsons to get his feet wet in Green Bay ahead of his debut and helping the Cowboys work in Kenny Clark, who they acquired in the trade.

"I'm just happy that it's behind," said Parsons. "These guys embraced me. They believe in my talents. They believe in me, and I'm just gonna give these guys everything I have because I know what's at stake. I know what they gave up for me to be here. I'm gonna do what it takes for us to win."

The trade paved the way for Parsons to finally get paid on a long-term deal -- something he sought from the Cowboys in each of the last two offseasons. The Packers signed him to a four-year, $188 million contract upon his arrival, with $120 million of that guaranteed and Parsons receiving $44 million upon signing.

Parsons' sack was his lone tackle in Week 1, but he was active in pressuring Detroit's Jared Goff in his limited action. The star pass rusher eased into his role on a limited snap count after missing essentially all of training camp amid his contract dispute and with a back injury. He was reportedly diagnosed ahead of his Dallas departure with an L4/L5 facet joint sprain in his lower back.