FRISCO, Texas — There was a mixture of shock and shock within the Dallas Cowboys locker room after they had been knowledgeable Thursday night time that edge rusher Micah Parsons was traded to the Inexperienced Bay Packers for 2 first-round picks and defensive sort out Kenny Clark.
Parsons broke the information to his fellow defensive linemen in a gaggle chat. Different gamers discovered by means of their very own positions’ group chats or social media.
“We have got to win with who we have now,” particular groups ace and one of many veteran leaders, C.J. Goodwin, stated. “And I believe we have now sufficient.”
Quickly after the commerce, coach Brian Schottenheimer stated he referred to as 12-14 gamers simply so they may hear his voice. Quarterback Dak Prescott was one of many gamers. So was Trevon Diggs, who was maybe Parsons’ closest good friend on the workforce.
“I did need these guys to really feel like that they had an opportunity to speak to me,” Schottenheimer stated. “I stated, ‘You guys can say something you need to me. Here is why we made the choice. Here is what went into it.’ Once more, these conversations had been highly effective but additionally will keep between me and them.”
On Friday, Schottenheimer addressed the complete workforce with a message.
“Nothing’s modified. My targets have not modified, Our workforce targets have not modified,” Schottenheimer stated. “I hit the gamers on that at the moment after I talked about simply the robust couple days for all the fellows, and it does not change. The usual is the usual. I stated that. With all the brand new items and other people we had in there, I wanted to hit the objective, which is to win a world’s championship. I wanted to hit that we additionally need to construct one of many biggest skilled sports activities cultures on the earth. That is a part of the deal while you add new items, you need to be sure that they perceive your imaginative and prescient.”
Except for the strangeness of not seeing Parsons on the apply subject or within the locker room, the main target of the day was their first apply in preparation for the Eagles.
“The constructive factor about [the timing of the trade] is we’re into an everyday seven-day cycle with Philadelphia,” the coach stated, “and it is a type of issues that now we get to give attention to Philly.”
Changing Parsons and his 52.5 sacks will probably be tough. Two of the gamers the Cowboys will look to are their second-round picks the previous two seasons: Marshawn Kneeland and Donovan Ezeiruaku.
“Whether or not he was right here or not, it will be essential for all of us to actually go on the market and produce,” Kneeland stated. “That is simply what that is going to should be, anyway. So now all of us actually get to point out what we are able to do.”
Ezeiruaku stated Parsons reached out to him instantly after the draft and has helped him all through the summer season.
“We have at all times been hungry to go get it and hit the quarterback,” Ezeiruaku stated. “On the identical time, we perceive it is a huge piece of the pie that is lacking, that is not right here anymore. We have got to fill that and we will do precisely that.”
For Clark, his day began with an early morning flight from Inexperienced Bay to Dallas together with his household and a bodily. He didn’t apply with the workforce, however he made an impression by introducing himself to each participant on the workforce.
He was conscious of the Parsons’ contract saga however by no means thought he can be a part of a deal. In reality, he was on the retailer together with his daughter getting some ice cream following apply when he was informed by the Packers of the commerce.
“I am right here to play ball, man,” Clark stated. “Whether or not it is nostril sort out, 3-tech, I am simply right here to be the perfect defensive sort out I will be.”
Clark, 29, is signed for 3 extra years and is a three-time Professional Bowl decide. Schottenheimer stated he’s not certain a deal would have been concluded if Clark was not a part of the bundle in return. Schottenheimer stated Clark will play towards the Eagles.
“He is been enjoying in related programs and has publicity to [defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’] system,” Schottenheimer stated. “He is a professional. He’ll haven’t any downside getting in control, so it is best to count on to see him on the market.”
Clark performed towards the Eagles twice final 12 months, together with the season opener and divisional spherical of the playoffs.
“This franchise,” Clark stated, “will get the whole lot I received.”
