Micah Parsons is ready to switch positions for the Cowboys, but defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has other plans.
Earlier this offseason, the Cowboys All-Pro linebacker announced plans to switch to defensive end full-time.
Quinn shot down that plan on Saturday, but it’s unclear how much more of an emphasis Parsons could put on rushing the passer. Regardless, that can’t be good news for quarterbacks.
In his first two seasons, Parsons had 26.5 sacks. Per data from Pro Football Focus, last season Parsons was credited with 90 total pressures, tied with defensive end Nick Bosa for most in the NFL.
PFF data shows Parsons was on the field for 488 pass-rushing snaps, two fewer than Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett, meaning he’s already among the elite in terms of pass-rushing productivity and usage.
Quinn is doing Parsons a favor by backtracking on his position change. From a financial perspective, it’s better to be an outside linebacker than a defensive end.
Per
Spotrac, the highest salary for a defensive end is Myles Garrett at $25 million, less than the two highest-earning outside linebackers, T.J. Watt ($28 million) and Joey Bosa ($27 million).
It’s also a benefit when it comes to the franchise tag, which could come into play with Parsons in a couple of years if his rookie contract expires before he signs an extension. The 2023 tag for a linebacker is $20.9 million, as opposed to $19.7 million for a defensive end.
While Quinn and Parsons might not be on the same page as far as Parsons’ job title, the goal isn’t all that different. As long as Parsons keeps racking up sacks, both will be happy.
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