Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn offered an intriguing explanation on Saturday after he was asked to address star pass-rusher Micah Parsons’s comments on changing positions ahead of the 2023 season.
Parsons, a first-team All-Pro selection in each of his first two seasons, made headlines earlier this month after announcing he’s spent his offseason preparing to transition from linebacker to a full-time role as a defensive end. While Parsons appeared to be committed to the idea, Quinn dismissed the notion of changing the 23-year-old’s role before attempting to clarify his comments to reporters.
“He’s a pass-rushing linebacker,” Quinn said, via The Athletic. “If you ever need position changes, come to me. What I think he was probably trying to say is, ‘I’m really emphasizing some pass rush into my offseason.’”
Quinn’s response may be enough to serve as the definitive answer to any lingering questions about a position switch, although it’s worth noting his stance is still contrary to the one Parsons relayed on May 5.
After revealing he skipped the team’s voluntary offseason program, Parsons, who is listed as 6’3” and 245 pounds, clarified the reason had to do with his adding weight to play off the edge. He later shared a tweet explaining his progress.
Wrote Parsons, “Lol people here bulk and think I’m going from 246- 270!! If you seen any of my videos I’m still very slim and I’m putting on good weight! I’m standing at 252 currently! I will not surpass 255 at anytime in my career! This is just me putting on more muscle to carry the load!”
Lol people here bulk and think I’m going from 246- 270!! If you seen any of my videos I’m still very slim and I’m putting on good weight! I’m standing at 252 currently! I will not surpass 255 at anytime in my career! This is just me putting on more muscle to carry the load!
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) May 3, 2023
Given the differing view points, it’ll certainly be fascinating to see how Quinn utilizes the dynamic pass rusher in his third season. The 12th overall pick in 2021, Parsons is coming off a 2022 season where he tallied 13.5 sacks, 65 tackles (13 for loss) and 26 quarterback hits.
