GREEN BAY – Brian Gutekunst didn’t have time to mourn. There were four games left when he watched Micah Parsons’ left knee buckle in Denver, legitimate Super Bowl hopes crumbling as he dropped to the ground, and all the Green Bay Packers general manager could think of was how to salvage the season.
Parsons knew the impact his torn ACL would have on his new team. In his first team meeting after arriving via trade from the Dallas Cowboys one week before the regular season, he approached the Packers secondary. Get ready for more opportunities, he told them. Quarterbacks were about to have much less time to get rid of the football. After leaving the field in Denver, he was in denial. Hoping for a miracle. When it was clear his ACL was torn, Parsons broke down.
Judging by the glassy look in coach Matt LaFleur’s eyes as he stepped to the podium in Denver, he knew the road ahead changed. Maybe if Gutekunst faced the same cameras after ultimately losing to the Broncos, he’d have that same empty stare. Three weeks after the season ended, Gutekunst would not concede one of the worst injuries in franchise history essentially ended a title pursuit.
“It’s an unfortunate part of this game,” Gutekunst said. “It’s the risk you take whenever you acquire players, that can happen. Immediately for me − it’s probably just the callousness of being in this − it’s, OK, what’s next? How can we do everything we can for the football team to give them the best chance to win the next game?”
It’s his job to think that way. Doesn’t change reality. The Packers entered Denver midway through December on a four-game winning streak. They had a third-quarter lead against the AFC’s eventual top overall playoff seed − a team that beat Buffalo’s Josh Allen in the postseason and likely would have advanced to the Super Bowl if its own quarterback hadn’t been injured − when Parsons left the field for the final time. The Packers did not win again, losing their final five games. That is not a coincidence.
The correlation underscores how impactful Parsons became in his first season with the Packers. It would be hard to exceed expectations that followed him from the Cowboys. The Packers, who follow draft-and-develop principles like gospel, sent their next two first-round draft picks to Dallas as well as former first-round pick Kenny Clark, one of the most-important players in their locker room. In return, the Packers received a pass rusher instantly compared to Reggie White. But Parsons somehow managed to be a better fit than the lofty hopes that greeted him.
Take away the pressures. The sacks. All the game-changing plays. Step outside his immense production, and the way Parsons’ mere presence on the field made teammates better would have made him the Packers most-important player. After a tumultuous end to his four seasons in Dallas, Parsons’ influence off the field also received high praise.
“He was super impactful to our football team,” Gutekunst said. “I think the thing that was really nice to see is how he fit within our group, because you never know how that’s going to work. We knew the player. We knew when we put him out there the difference he would make on the field. But seeing the difference he made in our locker room and how he fit into our culture here, and really enhanced our culture, I think was a really pleasant surprise for me. Not that I didn’t think that would happen, but new players.
“Particularly adding a guy that was right before the beginning of the season, didn’t have him in the offseason, didn’t have him in training camp, I think that was really something that made me feel so much better about the decision that we made beforehand.”
Which is why Parsons’ instant impact wasn’t the best thing that happened in 2025. It’s not even that the Packers have him under contract the next four seasons. Parsons won’t turn 30 years old until 2029, the final year of his deal.
There should be plenty of All-Pro seasons ahead.
Micah Parsons
Signed 4-year, $186 million extension after trade that brought him from Dallas a week before regular season, making him highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. Needed no time to show why.
Played only 30 snaps in opener against Lions, limited after taking no training-camp reps with Cowboys. Had 3 pressures. The first came on first snap, beating Lions All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell with inside speed on third-and-7. Beat Sewell on another third-and-7 with patented crossover rush, simulating outside speed before transitioning to inside speed, forcing quick-throw interception from Jared Goff to Evan Williams. A move most pass rushers know better to even try. “His toolbox is elite,” longtime trainer Lance Dean said, “because he’s elite in his body control, his ability to move under control.” Finished emphatic debut chasing Goff across field on sack, a pursuit resembling how a lion runs down a gazelle.
Followed with one of finest pass-rushing seasons in Packers history, despite torn ACL forcing him to miss final 4 games. Recorded 93 total pressures: 66 hurries, 27 quarterback hits, including 12.5 sacks. Became first player in NFL history to record at least a dozen sacks in each of first 5 seasons, surpassing Reggie White’s dozen sacks in each of first 4 seasons. Overcame barrage of double- and triple-team blocks in pursuit to quarterback. Played 707 snaps in 14 games. Encountered two blockers on 29.8%. Three blockers on 4.2%, meaning multiple blockers contacted him one out of every three snaps. Chipped on passes on 107 snaps (45.7% of snaps against multiple blockers). Unblocked on only 38 snaps. Indifferent to how many blockers stand between him and quarterback. Had 3 sacks against double-team blocks, 1 against triple team. Versatility almost as impressive as production. Capable of winning with any rush. Almost a perfect split with 34 pressures coming from outside speed, 33 from inside speed. Had 22 power pressures: 10 bull, 7 outside power, 5 inside power. Only 4 pressures coming on stunts. A queen on Jeff Hafley’s chess board, lined up at every position on line and often stood up at linebacker on third down. Had 39 pressures at right defensive end, 37 at left defensive end, 12 at linebacker and 5 at left defensive tackle.
Did more than accumulate stats. Regularly made game-impacting plays in big moments. Nicknamed “the closer” by Hafley, recorded sack on final defensive series in 3 wins, including strip-sack against Jameis Winston on final play in New York. Beat Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas and chips from left guard Jon Runyan and tight end Theo Johnson on play. Chased down Dak Prescott for 0-yard sack in overtime, saving touchdown run and preserving tie. Beat Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil and left guard Brandon Coleman on fourth-and-10, sealing win with quarterback hit on Jayden Daniels to force incompletion. Ripped ball away from Broncos running back RJ Harvey on third-and-1, setting tone for early lead in Denver.
Run defense definitively not a problem. Can get caught on occasional gamble off edge, but able to bring generational pass-rush skills without being liability on ground. Lighter defensive end at 250 pounds but consistently fights to set edge. Had 12 run stuffs, 3 tackles for loss. Beat tight end chip, pull from Lions left guard Kayode Awosika on fourth-and-3, tackling Jahmyr Gibbs behind line of scrimmage. Later, set hard edge against left tackle Taylor Decker and held Gibbs to no gain on third-and-3. Does not chase sacks, showing ability to snuff out screens. Beat Bengals right tackle Amarius Mims on inside speed rush but abruptly turned downfield, tackling Chase Brown for 2-yard gain on screen on opposite side of field, 1 of 2 pass stuffs. Allowed 6 runs of at least 10 yards, none of 20. Got away with tripping penalty on Saquon Barkley’s 5-yard run. Had 2 touchdown runs allowed. Pinned inside against Panthers tight end Mitchell Evans on goal line, allowing 1-yard touchdown for Rico Dowdle. Opened gap for Giants running back Devin Singletary’s 5-yard touchdown shooting hard up field off snap. Missed 2 tackles, both for potential TFLs. Both disrupted run play enough to set up TFL for teammate. Best defense against him was not involving him in play. Uninvolved on 137 plays, mostly wide runs to opposite side or quick hitters up middle.
Attention garnered regularly opens plays for teammates. Power rush against Sewell walled off pocket, providing no escape lane on sack split between Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness. Consumed triple team from left tackle Tyler Guyton, right guard T.J. Bass and tight end Jake Ferguson, leaving Quay Walker unblocked on first-and-goal TFL. Walled off pocket against double team from Bengals right guard Jalen Rivers and Mimis on Van Ness’ sack. Assisted both Devonte Wyatt sacks vs. Vikings, including power rush up middle against double team to open lane to J.J. McCarthy. Those type of plays were constant.
Biggest blight on 2025 season was 4 offsides and 1 neutral zone infraction penalty. Had 2 in Cleveland, including a free first down on third-and-20 stop. Second came on first play of Browns’ game-winning drive. “Two offsides is unacceptable for myself, for this team,” Parsons said after game. “Just things we shouldn’t be doing, I shouldn’t be doing, it’s unacceptable. I fully apologize for my actions.” Rare hip-drop tackle penalty against Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett nullified sack, preventing him from having 4-sack game. Drew 3 holding penalties and a fourth that was declined. Should have drawn several more. Drew 2 false starts, 1 illegal hands to face penalty. Only 6 coverage snaps, including a pass break-up vs. Broncos tight end Evan Engram. Explosiveness going forward will be tested in ACL recovery, but elite motor and competitiveness will be helpful. Would have been an A-plus season if not for injury.
Grade: A
Rashan Gary
Having never posted double-digit sack season in first 6 years, figured to be biggest beneficiary of Parsons trade. Tale of 2 seasons instead. Opened seventh season on tear, recording 4.5 sacks in first 3 games. Had 7.5 sacks by late October in Pittsburgh. Did not record a sack in final 10 games.
Surprisingly high pressure numbers. Recorded 56 total pressures: 36 hurries, 20 quarterback hits, including 7.5 sacks. Drew 1 holding penalty. Same number of sacks as Pro Bowl season in 2024, but 5 more quarterback hits and 13 more pressures. Had 32 pressures after his final sack of season vs. Steelers, including 8 quarterback hits. Simply lost closing speed necessary to turn pressures into sacks. Significant difference in rush usages before and after final sack. In first 7 games, 72.7% of pressures came from speed rushes. Only 1 chase pressure on extended play. Beat Browns right tackle KT Leveston with outside speed on third-and-8 sack. Beat Cardinals right tackle Jonah Williams on inside speed for strip-sack against Jacoby Brissett. In final 10 games, 37.5% of pressures came from speed rushes; 6 chase pressures on extended plays.
“I thought he started out really, really strong,” Gutekunst said. “Obviously, he had a lot of production early. I think he ended up with 60-some pressures and 7.5 sacks, which that’s pretty good production in the National Football League. I did think toward the end of the year, he wasn’t as productive as he was toward the beginning. So certainly that will be something I’m sure he looks at personally, and we look at as a team how we can continue to make sure his production level is the same at the beginning and end of the season.”
Run defense did not suffer in sack drought. Had 13 run stuffs, 2 more than 2024. Had 2 TFLs. His 4 runs of 10+ yards allowed were one fewer than 2024. Sealed inside vs. Ravens receiver Devontez Walker and lost contain on Derrick Henry’s 25-yard touchdown run, 1 of 3 touchdown runs allowed on season. Missed 4 tackles in 49 chances, including on a potential sack vs. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the closest he came to sack in final 2 months. Earlier in Week 12, beat left tackle Justin Skule with outside speed pressuring McCarthy into interception.
Had 14 pressures after Parsons’ injury, including 3 quarterback hits, but no sacks. At end of season, said he wasn’t disappointed with lack of production. “Started off hot,” Gary said in Chicago. “OCs game planning, we’ve got different personnel in, there’s dudes trying to find a way to stop me. But at the end of the day as a player, you’ve got to find a way to break through. But frustrating, no, because I’m steady growing, steady getting better, and I’m a hell of a player. Offensive coordinators know that, offensive linemen know that, and I’ve just got to keep picking the lock.” Essentially had same season as 2024, which was not plan after being paired with best pass rusher in NFC. Played 697 snaps, 26 more than 2024. Pro Bowler in 2024. Started losing snaps down stretch in 2025. Played at least 60% of snaps in 12 of first 13 games. Played 60% of snaps only once in final 5 games, when he should’ve been playing more without Parsons on field. Team must determine whether sack drought was indicator of future production. Could save $10.9 million if released this offseason.
Grade: C-plus
Kingsley Enagbare
A 2022 fifth-round draft pick, has long been steady rotational edge defender, but had best season of career in final year of rookie deal. Role decreased after Parsons’ arrival, but still played 521 snaps, only 19 fewer than 2024. Snaps increased down stretch, playing at least 65% in each of final three meaningful games. Played 41 more snaps than Gary in that stretch, including 9 more in playoff loss at Chicago.
Uptick was necessary not only because of Parsons’ absence, but forced coaches to keep him on field. Best run defender among defensive ends, finishing with 14 run stuffs and 6 TFLs. Had knack for big play when needed. Split double team between Steelers left tackle Broderick Jones and left guard Isaac Eumalo on TFL. Next play, pursued running back Kenneth Gainwell for 1-yard tackle on screen, 1 of 2 pass stuffs. Used swim move to beat Vikings right tackle Brian O’Neill on fourth-and-1 TFL in red zone. Made play of year crashing down line of scrimmage on third-and-1 vs. Bears left tackle Ozzy Trapilo to tackle Kyle Monangai for no gain on third-and-1 in fourth quarter. Next play was Caleb Williams’ interception in end zone to Keisean Nixon, sealing win. Missed 2 tackles in 41 chances, including Derrick Henry on 3-yard score, only touchdown run allowed all season. Allowed 2 runs of at least 10 yards, none of 20.
Capable but limited pass rusher. Does not flash same high-end potential as Gary, but beat chip vs. Bears running back D’Andre Swift and used inside speed to make right tackle Darnell Wright whiff on sack. Finished with 22 pressures: 13 hurries, 9 quarterback hits, including 2 sacks. Had third-and-15 sack on Jared Goff erased because of Nixon’s illegal contact penalty. Varied between 11 speed pressures, 6 power, 4 extended chase and 1 unblocked. Only 3 pressures after Parsons tore ACL.
Allowed 2 catches of at least 20 yards in coverage, including 23-yard checkdown against Swift on third-and-4 late in playoff loss. Called for 1 defensive holding penalty on third-and-3 in Denver, one offsides. Becomes free agent after showing he can be significant piece in quality defense.
Grade: C-plus
Lukas Van Ness
A former first-round draft pick, entered third NFL season after disappointing 2024 hoping to prove he wasn’t a bust. Injuries got in way of promising start. Missed 5 games after foot injury Week 6, but showed potential when healthy.
Recorded 19 pressures: 11 hurries, eight quarterback hits, including 2.5 sacks. Drew 1 holding penalty. More pressures than 2024, despite playing 8 fewer games. Beat Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. with outside speed, sacking Joe Flacco. Suffered severe foot sprain on play. Returned for only 6 snaps Week 12 vs. Vikings, but foot wasn’t fully healed. Missed next 2 games. After returning Week 15, only absence was meaningless regular-season finale in Minnesota. Closed season beating Bears left tackle Ozzy Trapilo on outside stunt, sacking Williams on third-and-10. Forced fumble on play, but Bears recovered.
Improved run defender, had 12 run stuffs, 2 TFLs. Tackled Jahmyr Gibbs in open field on third-down checkdown in opener, a 2-yard loss. Allowed 2 runs of at least 10 yards, 1 of 20+. Sealed inside vs. Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, giving up contain on Henry’s 30-yard carry. Earlier in game, knocked back off snap on goal line vs. Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar and couldn’t recover against right guard Daniel Faalele on Henry’s 1-yard score, lone touchdown allowed.
Played only 294 snaps in 10 games, counting playoffs, only 1 fewer snap than Gary in postseason loss. A big fourth season coming in 2026, hard to know where he goes from here. Could be relied on for bigger role depending on offseason changes. Showed he can be contributor, but must stay healthy.
Grade: C
Barryn Sorrell
Rookie fourth-round pick spent most of season with limited playing time needing to develop, but flashed potential late. Played more than 30% of snaps only once in 17 games, Week 7 at Arizona. Missed opener vs. Lions because of sprained MCL. A healthy scratch Week 15 at Denver.
Got an opportunity with playoff seed secured Week 18 game at Minnesota and made most of it. Opened game allowing 10-yard run on jet pass to Justin Jefferson. Got eyes in wrong place and allowed Jefferson to round corner uncontested. Followed with 2 run stuffs. Had 3 pressures, including sack. Beat left tackle Justin Skule with chip from tight end Ben Sims and met J.J. McCarthy when he tried to step up in pocket on 0-yard sack, making third-and-2 stop. Recovered backup quarterback Max Brosmer’s fumble after Brenton Cox Jr. sack. Missed tackle on potential TFL against running back Ty Chandler. Next play, shed left guard Donovan Jackson to drop Chandler for 1-yard loss on third-and-1. “I’m happy with what I put on tape today,” Sorrell said after game. Next week, earned 28 snaps (36%) in playoff loss.
Had 9 pressures: 6 hurries, 3 quarterback hits, including 1.5 sacks. Half-sack on Jayden Daniels scramble Week 2. Had 5 run stuffs; 1 missed tackle in 16 chances. Called for 1 offsides penalty, declined. Played 206 snaps in 15 games. Should get chance next season to show development.
Grade: D-plus
Arron Mosby
Began season on practice squad but signed to active roster Nov. 4 after maximum 3 game-day elevations were used. Mostly a special-teamer, only defensive snaps came Week 18 at Vikings. Recorded 1 coverage pressure in 15 snaps. Called for offsides penalty. Played 221 special teams reps in 12 games, fourth most on team.
Grade: D
Brenton Cox Jr.
After strong close to 2024, entered season hoping to build on progress as viable depth rusher. Injured groin in opener vs. Lions and spent most of season on injured reserve. Activated Dec. 19 and played final 4 games. Showed pass-rush potential still remains. Recorded 7 pressures: 4 hurries, 3 quarterback hits, including 1 sack. Credited strip-sack when Brosmer tripped over offensive lineman’s leg. Had 1 run stuff. Allowed 2 runs of at least 10 yards. Had 1 TFL, missed 1 tackle in 6 chances. Restricted free agent, will get a reboot in 2026.
Grade: Incomplete
Collin Oliver
Rookie fifth-round pick nicknamed “Baby Micah” as undersized but explosive pass-rush specialist, got little chance to perform. Tore hamstring tendon off bone at scouting combine, requiring surgery before draft. Initial recovery timeline was 8-12 weeks but aggravated injury in summer. Began training camp on physically-unable-to-perform list despite feeling healthy, but reaggravated injury in camp. Activated of PUP on Dec. 22 and played 1 game, getting 31 snaps Week 18 at Minnesota. Had 2 pressures, both quarterback hits. Chased down running back Ty Chandler on backside of third-and-1 screen for TFL. Blocked outside on edge against Sims, allowing 1-yard touchdown run. Missed 1 tackle on Jordan Mason’s 24-yard run. Lone game film showed speedy athlete who could struggle against power at only 240 pounds, but will hope to get full sample size in second season.
Grade: Incomplete
This article originally appeared on Packers News: Micah Parsons met enormous expectations before injury | Packers DE grades
Reporting by Ryan Wood, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Packers News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
