Cowboys All-Pro claims he could play 'eight positions' next season
The Cowboys aren't allowing linebacker Micah Parsons to switch positions, but he suggested that's not stopping him from trying.
"I'm probably going to play like eight different positions this year," the 23-year-old star said Thursday after OTAs, per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.
Parsons may have been joking around. Earlier this offseason, he said he was moving from linebacker to defensive end, which Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn denied. "He's a pass-rushing linebacker," Quinn said, per Jon Machota of The Athletic.
Per Pro Football Focus, Parsons lined up on the defensive line on 81.1 percent of his snaps last season, as opposed to 41.3 percent in 2021. Perhaps Quinn didn't want him to tip plans.
Regardless, the 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has become a dominant player. He logged the sixth-most sacks (26.5) over the past two seasons, earned two first-team All-Pro nods and won 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year. PFF recently ranked him as its top player on its annual list of "Top 25 players under 25."
That might be why the Cowboys are keeping where Parsons will line up in 2023 somewhat ambiguous. They know his presence can distract offenses and open the door for others to make plays.
"Impact players not only affect the game with their individual production," Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said in a Thursday news conference. "But it's really being aware of where [Parsons] is that will definitely create opportunities for other guys."
The Parsons effect could help him win some prestigious awards. Per OddsChecker, he holds the best Defensive Player of the Year odds.
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