Dan Quinn's ability to form strong connections with his players is one of the reasons why he was chosen to become Washington Commanders' head coach. It's also a big reason why he's held in the highest regard by those who've worked with the respected figure previously.
One who credits Quinn heavily for his rapid rise to superstardom is Micah Parsons. The edge rusher formed a close bond with the former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator. He's also hinted that a potential reunion is something he'd contemplate depending on what happens with his new contract.
Parsons is looking for a lucrative extension when the offseason arrives. This is going to have record-breaking numbers attached, which puts the Cowboys in a predicament given the whopping deals given to quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Prescott and Lamb are set to count a combined $125.34 million against Dallas' salary cap in 2025. That eye-popping figure will inevitably come down with contract restructures, but adding Parsons' money onto this moving forward severely restricts the Cowboys.
That's led to calls from some in the media to trade Parsons. It's an inexplicable notion looking at his age and importance to the team. Even so, the compensation would be nothing short of mind-blowing if they entertained calls.
The Commanders could cheekily inquire to see what it might take to secure Parsons' services from a heated division rival. That conversation would probably be brief — perhaps even insulting if you're the Cowboys.
Parsons acknowledged after beating the Carolina Panthers that the NFL is a business and all he can do is roll with the punches. If he gets paid in Dallas, that's great. If not, then he'll continue with the same mindset at his next destination.
"I understand how that business side goes. There are no hard feelings in this business, whether I'm here or anywhere else. Obviously I've stated that I want to be here. But at the end of the day, I understand the business side. I've put in a lot of work, I've played hard too, so obviously if sides can't agree to those type of things, it happens like that. But I'm just happy to be here. I'm just gonna keep playing hard while I'm here. If I'm here for the next 5-6 years, I'm gonna keep playing hard then too. Ain't nothing really gonna make a difference, Micah is gonna play hard."Micah Parsons
Reuniting Parsons with Quinn in Washington would be stunning. Jones has fumbled plenty of personnel decisions in recent years. Sending his best defender to a team on the up within their division shouldn't even enter the discussion.
To say this is unrealistic is a huge understatement. While Quinn and Parsons have a bond and would probably relish the prospect of joining forces again, there are too many mitigating factors in play to provide even a glimmer of hope if Dallas made him available.
The Commanders have deployed Frankie Luvu in a Parsons-type role within Quinn's defensive scheme with great success this season. He's emerged as one of the league's best offseason signings and still has a lot of good football left. Finding another gem in free agency or the draft to bolster Washington's pass rush is the preferred course of action.
Anywhere Parsons goes is a boost to the Commanders. They won't be trading for him, but not having to face the Penn State product twice a season would be a nice consolation prize — however unlikely that seems.