Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons. Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys willing to try All-Pro edge-rusher on offense

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 9/20/23

As he’s demonstrated through the first two games of the season, there’s very little that Dallas Cowboys edge-rusher Micah Parsons can’t do.

Arguably the top defensive player in the NFL, Parsons let the cat out of the bag on Tuesday that he might start being featured in some offensive play calls in the not-too-distant future.

"Big Mike [McCarthy] let me get a couple scout-team reps at tight end," Parsons said on “The Pat McAfee Show.” "He might not have let y'all know that. I probably shouldn't have spilled the tea. … I just keep trying to show him glimpses for whatever opportunities I can get. You know I’m trying to touch this ball.”

Taking some snaps on offense is something Parsons has pushed McCarthy to let him do for some time.

While he’s a pass-rusher through and through, Parsons does have some experience at running back — a position he played some during his junior and senior years at Harrisburg High School. He rushed for 1,239 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior.

If the Cowboys need any extra depth at running back, Micah Parsons (23) could probably help pic.twitter.com/bzp6LLvOxx
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 9, 2021

McCarthy confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that Parsons has, indeed, had a few reps with the offense, but he downplayed it as being something that will become a weekly routine.

"He played a snap there [at tight end]," McCarthy stated, via CBS Sports. "I will not give you an evaluation on that, but yes it's something you entertain; definitely. Micah, honestly, does have that ability."

Whether or not the Cowboys use him on offense remains to be seen, there is precedent for such a thing.

All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt caught three touchdowns with the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans head coach head coach Mike Vrabel caught 10 touchdowns in stints with the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs.

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