The Green Bay Packers finally introduced their newest star, edge rusher Micah Parsons, after travel complications delayed Friday’s press sessions. General manager Brian Gutekunst, head coach Matt LaFleur, and Parsons himself all addressed the media to discuss the blockbuster trade.

Both Gutekunst and LaFleur stayed quiet on exactly when the trade talks began, but the GM admitted the deal only started to feel realistic a few days before it was completed. “It wasn’t until recently that I thought we actually had a chance to close it out,” Gutekunst explained.

He also reflected on lessons from past negotiations, particularly the Packers’ failed pursuit of Khalil Mack back in 2018. That experience, he said, reminded him of the importance of engaging earlier in high-profile trade conversations—even though being more aggressive then might not have changed Mack’s final destination.

Some speculated that newly appointed team president Ed Policy may have pushed for the move, but Gutekunst described Policy as supportive rather than influential in driving the deal.

On the roster front, Green Bay remains confident in its young defensive line group—Colby Wooden, Karl Brooks, Warren Brinson, and Nazir Stackhouse—despite losing Kenny Clark in the trade. At present, Wooden is expected to anchor the line at nose tackle heading into the 2025 season.

When asked about Parsons’ availability for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions, Gutekunst made it clear the star defender will see the field in some capacity. “He’ll help us in some form or fashion,” he said, while stressing the team would manage his workload carefully.

LaFleur recalled first noticing Parsons’ competitiveness during the 2021 Pro Bowl, when most players treated the event lightly but the young linebacker attacked it like game day. That intensity, LaFleur believes, is part of what makes Parsons special.

During his introduction, Parsons announced he will wear No. 1, a number not used by the Packers since Curly Lambeau himself sported it in 1929. He had also considered wearing 0, a number no player has ever donned in Green Bay, though the team previously denied Josh Jacobs that option in 2024.

Parsons admitted he had no control over where the Dallas Cowboys traded him, and in fact learned of the move from his agent rather than ownership. Still, his first impression of Green Bay has been positive. He praised the organization’s facilities, expressed excitement about LaFleur’s coaching, and noted his respect for the Packers’ defensive schemes that had challenged him in past matchups with Dallas.