Micah Parsons wants former Cowboys rival, free agent on Dallas defense

Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons really wants the team to sign a free agent away from one of their division rivals.

The Dallas Cowboys are looking for answers once again this offseason to figure out what they need to do to get to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 1995 season. They have moved on from offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, with head coach Mike McCarthy expected to call plays heading into next season. Then, the team has to figure out how to get their cap space in order to continue to build a playoff-caliber roster.

During an appearance on PFT Live with Mike Florio and Chris Simms, Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons was asked who he wants the team to target in free agency. Parson says he would like to see the Cowboys add defensive lineman Daron Payne from the Washington Commanders.

“I like Daron Payne a lot,” said Parsons.

Micah Parsons wants Cowboys to sign Commanders DT Daron Payne

Adding Payne to Dallas’ front seven alongside Parsons and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence certainly looks dominant on paper. But, Payne is in line to receive a hefty payday in free agency.

Spotrac currently projects Payne’s market value to be $19.4 million in annual salary.

Payne was selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Commanders. With that, he joined fellow Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen in Washington D.C. After a solid first four seasons, Payne really shined in his contract year.

Playing in all 17 regular season games for the Commanders, Payne recorded 64 combined tackles (32 solo, 32 assisted), 20 quarterback hits, 18 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, five passes defended, one fumble recovery, and one safety. As a result of these numbers, Payne was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.

Payne, along with Javon Hargrave of the Philadelphia Eagles are the top defensive tackles available in free agency. Teams looking to shore up the interior of their defensive line will certainly target Payne, but they will likely need to give him a lucrative offer to add him to their roster. Given Dallas’ cap situation right now ($7 million over cap threshold), that may be a bit tough for them to add him.