It looks like the Green Bay Packers need to find an alternative to Micah Parsons, as their star linebacker is expected to miss the start of the 2026 NFL season.

According to NFL analyst Aaron Schatz of ESPN, GM Brian Gutekunst must sign the former Dallas Cowboys’ star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to replace Parsons as he recovers from a torn ACL.

"The Packers need another veteran who can help fill in for Parsons and then provide depth once he returns," Schatz wrote. "Clowney's 22.4% pass rush win rate last season would have been near the top of the league if he had enough pass-rush snaps to qualify for ESPN's rankings.”

In a blockbuster deal, the Packers traded Parsons from the Cowboys right before the 2025 NFL pre-season. As the season reached its full pace, Parsons suffered a season-ending torn ACL while playing against the Denver Broncos.

For which he underwent a repair surgery followed by a long rehab. Also, the Packers' nine-month recovery rule added another delay to his return.

Schatz believes that Clowney could provide a short-term solution for the Parsons problem. He also highlighted that Clowney could have achieved the league's highest stats if he had given more snaps while playing for the Cowboys.

Per Pro Football Reference, Clowney appeared in 13 games for the Cowboys, where 24 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 10 QB hits.

“He had 8.5 sacks for Dallas, and the Packers could also use his ability to set the edge against the run,” he said.

The 33-year-old DE could rush the passer for the Packers, per Schatz.

Per the Packers' nine-month recovery rule, Parsons can start as early as September 2026, but his absence could provide free agent Jadeveon Clowney a home as he awaits his signing.

Packers Wrap Up Minicamp Amid Micah Parsons Uncertainty

Amid the uncertainty around the return of their star LB, the Green Bay Packers concluded their mandatory minicamp from Tuesday, June 9, to Thursday, June 11, 2026, at practice facilities in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with positive momentum.

Head coach Matt LaFleur expressed confidence in the team's progress but emphasized that the work is far from finished.

"We've got a really solid foundation right now, but it doesn't matter unless you maximize these next 47 days," LaFleur said. "So the work they put in will show itself in training camp.”

One of the biggest standouts during minicamp was linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who continued to flash his playmaking ability on defense. Former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness also drew praise after a strong stretch of practices, providing optimism for Green Bay's pass rush.

“The message is just they got to push it, man, and in every aspect, mentally, physically, you know, psychologically, every aspect is going to impact their game,” he added.

The Packers' defense consistently looked sharp throughout minicamp, while several young players took advantage of increased reps and strengthened their case for larger roles heading into training camp.

While Parsons' availability remains a major storyline, Green Bay leaves minicamp believing it has established a strong foundation ahead of the 2026 season.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker