Cowboys DL coach Aaron Whitecotton on Micah Parsons dispute: ‘He’s been awesome’

Micah Parsons has been a big story for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. The edge rusher is currently in contract negations with the team, but still no deal has been reached with training camp in full swing.

Things reached a head this past week when Parsons requested a trade from the team, but according to defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, Parsons hasn’t let that distract the team.

“Not at all. He’s been awesome,” Whitecotton said. “He’s been great. He puts his two cents in when he sees something or gives some great indicators on, ‘Hey, expect this. Hey, look at the tackle on this.’ He’s giving great indicators to the guys across the board.

“The other thing I would say that’s probably never going to be shown is he’s taken some guys under his wing and had some one-on-ones with them whether it was in the weight room, getting their body to go out to practice, or whether it was in the meeting room. He’s done a really good job with picking his spots to get one on one with guys and really put his arm around them and just help them and show them the way and give them information.”

Parsons, 26, is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The two-time All-Pro pass rusher revealed that he initially approached the Cowboys about a contract extension after the 2023 season but the team “did not want to start any negotiations at that point.”

The edge rusher has been a key part of the Cowboys defense over the past four seasons after winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021. This past season he recorded 43 total tackles, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defended across 13 games.

Micah Parsons has recorded double digit sacks every season he has been in the league, with his career total amounting to 52.5. That’s the type of production that would put him in line for a big pay day. But while some of the NFL’s other elite pass rushers like TJ Watt, Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett all received new contracts, Parsons is still left fighting for his.

The hope from the Cowboys’ side is that the relationship can eventually be salvaged and a deal will be reached. If that time comes, Whitecotton doesn’t expect anything less than what he’s used to from Parsons.

“I have no reservations about him being ready to play in football games,” the DL coach said. “He’s working his butt off with all the physical and strength training and the running he’s doing. He’s doing a great job with all of that. … He knows the playbook. He knows our calls. He knows everything backwards and forwards. So when that moment arises, I know he’ll just let it rip.”