Jimmy Johnson, Fox NFL Sunday, broadcasts from Al Udeid Air Base following Fox NFL Sunday’s Salute to Veterans show, Nov. 13, 2022 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. This year’s Salute to Veterans highlighted the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force, veterans, and units stationed at AUAB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andrew Britten)
The Dallas Cowboys’ coaching search has taken center stage recently, creating distractions from the team’s more pressing offseason priority: extending Micah Parsons’ contract. Rumors surrounding potential coaching candidates have dominated headlines, but the situation with Parsons remains a critical aspect of the Cowboys’ future.
The coaching search has evolved over time, with Deion Sanders’ name being thrown into the mix last week. However, it has become clear that true candidates like Kellen Moore and Robert Saleh are in the running. As of now, Sanders has not interviewed for the position, and the surprise rise of Brian Schottenheimer has added more uncertainty to the situation.
While the head coach decision is crucial for the team’s direction, it’s equally important for the Cowboys to secure Parsons, who has quickly become one of the most dominant players in the NFL. His impact on the defense has made him irreplaceable, and the Cowboys need to focus on ensuring he remains with the team for the long term.
Amidst the speculation, rumors have surfaced suggesting the Cowboys could trade Parsons for a substantial return of draft picks and assets. However, Jimmy Johnson, the former Cowboys’ head coach, made it clear that parting ways with such a talent would be a mistake.
Johnson praised Parsons as a “game-changer” and stressed that trading him would require an overwhelming amount of picks. He emphasized that Parsons is integral to the Cowboys’ defense and that a move like that would harm the team’s chances of success in the coming seasons.
The importance of Parsons cannot be overstated. He is the cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense, and losing him would significantly weaken the team. Johnson’s opinion aligns with the broader sentiment that trading a player of Parsons’ caliber would be a step backward for the Cowboys.
Beyond the roster moves, the Cowboys’ front office must also resolve their coaching situation before addressing the Parsons extension. The timing of the coaching hire will be pivotal, as the new head coach will need to be involved in the decision-making process regarding Parsons’ future with the team.
In the coming months, the Cowboys’ priorities should shift toward finalizing the extension for Parsons. Once the coaching situation is settled, this will likely be the team’s main focus as they aim to lock down their defensive star before the start of the next season.
