Over the past 48 hours, we have heard a lot of noise about the Dallas Cowboys and Micah Parsons regarding No. 11’s upcoming new contract.
Set to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in football, Parsons has the world at his feet, and despite his obvious talent and a career that is projecting to have him in Canton, due to the contract negotiations and comments from owner Jerry Jones, some think Micah should push for a trade.
Seen as one of the new wave of leaders now at The Star, Parsons is set to be a key figure in Matt Eberflus’ defense, and given his talent, a franchise leader too.
And for NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, who has compiled a list of the top 10 NFL defenders to build a franchise around, the “Lionbacker” comes in at No. 1.
“Micah Parsons is the ultimate front-line hybrid force, excelling as an off-ball linebacker and line-of-scrimmage pass rusher in a scheme that allows him to flourish as a “see ball, get ball” defender,” Brooks writes. “A splash-play specialist with a high-revving motor and an elite competitive spirit, the fifth-year pro overwhelms opponents with energy and passion. Throw in his elite skills as a playmaker, and it is hard to find a better stud to build around than Dallas’ perennial All-Pro.”
You don’t “trade” away a talent like that.
Yes, the contract negotiations and Jerry’s comments weren’t ideal, but make no mistake, a deal will get done. It is just a matter of when.
We saw what Mike Zimmer’s defense looked like without Parsons in the lineup, and then we saw that when No. 11 was in the picture, the defense’s form improved.
In his four NFL seasons, Micah is a four-time Pro Bowler, a two-time All-Pro and has at least 12.0 sacks in every year, making him one of the more feared defenders in the game, and a player to build a franchise around.
Offensive coordinators have to gameplan to stop Micah, whether that’s constant double-teaming or shifting their offensive style to avoid Parsons, such is the former Penn State star’s ability to take the souls of an offensive line and quarterback.
There are a host of reasons why the “trade Micah” crowd is wrong, and we have another thread to pull: Parsons is the best NFL defender around whom to build a franchise.
And again, you don’t trade away a player like that.
