The Importance of Cowboys Four-Time Pro Bowl Defensive End Showing Up to Training Camp

Micah Parsons had decided to take the high road during this contract dispute with the Cowboys. He will be a full-time participant in the Cowboys’ offseason training activities over in Oxnard, California. Parsons, 26, is in the midst of contract negotiations with the Cowboys, intending to be the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. Micah has certainly played to be worth all the money he is demanding, and for Dallas's sake, despite not being paid thus far, he will be filling two important roles for the Cowboys at training camp this year. 

New Leader 

With the departure of Demarcus Lawrence for the Seattle Seahawks, Parsons has to take the role and become the brand-new leader of this defense. Even with Parsons only being 26, he is one of the older members of the Cowboys’ defense and one of the longer-tenured players. His young age is a benefit to the culture of the defense, being able to connect with the older veterans and the younger players. Parsons’ missing OTAs leave the Cowboys without their main leader on defense and the bridge between the younger generation and the older one. 

New Scheme 

Not only have players left the Cowboys, but coaches as well, with Mike Zimmer deciding not to return after his one-year spell in Dallas. For Parsons, it might be a bit frustrating as it will be his third defensive position in three years, but being the face of the Cowboys defense, having him there in Oxnard is vital for Matt Eberflus and trying to understand this defense. It would have been difficult for Eberflus to try and manage game formations and sequences without the best player on the whole team. Not only does Eberflus have to work with Parsons, but new defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton is another coach who will be working with him. Whitecotton is already a well-respected coach, so the process of him connecting with Parsons should transition quite smoothly. These coaches are not only some of the best coaches at what they do for the on field production but also the team culture that Dallas wants to create.  The new culture is a big topic for head coach Brian Schottenheimer in his first year with the Cowboys, and he hopes to create one of the best cultures in sports.