The New England Patriots seem as primed as any team in the NFL to make a league-altering trade before the start of the season. Over the last week, rumors have started to emerge about a potential move for Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.

Hendrickson and the Bengals are at a standstill in their contract talks, and the team is reportedly listening to offers.

But a new trade option just became abundantly clear: Micah Parsons is on the table, and the Patriots could make a move for him.

Patriots could trade for Micah Parsons instead of Trey Hendrickson

What’s better than a 30-year-old edge rusher in need of a massive new contract? How about a 26-year-old edge rusher… also in need of a massive new contract.

This week, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Dallas Cowboys have not made any progress in their contract talks with Parsons in recent months. Parsons has publicly requested a trade, and the move is starting to look more and more likely.

With boatloads of cap space and enough draft capital and young talent to go around, New England might be the most likely landing spot for Parsons.

General manager Elliot Wolf recently made it clear that he’s willing to make big moves to improve his roster. Asked whether he would trade away an early draft pick, Wolf told the media, “Sure. Just doing what’s best for the team. If there was a player out there that we feel like can help us, and it costs that, then we would consider doing that.”

Parsons would likely cost more than Hendrickson, and for good reason. He’s four years younger and just entering his prime. That timeline fits much better with the Patriots’ trajectory. Drake Maye is just starting his second season in the league. He might not be ready to lead a contending team by the time Hendrickson finishes his best years.

If the Patriots are looking to make a big move for a superstar defender, they now have options. Adding Parsons to their young core could create a roster capable of re-claiming the AFC East and bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Boston.

There’s still every chance that the Cowboys will end up extending Parsons at the last second (like they seem to do with all of their star players), but the door to a trade seems to be at least slightly ajar.