Getty Image / Kevin Sabitus
For the second consecutive season, the Dallas Cowboys were eliminated from the playoffs by the San Francisco 49ers.
It was a disappointing result for a Cowboys franchise that hasn’t won a Divisional Round game since the mid-90s.
There is one unit that definitely can’t be blamed for that disappointment.
Led by All-Pro Micah Parsons, the Cowboys’ defense was one of the best in the NFL. They held opponents to the 5th least points per game in the league.
Today, Parsons was asked what improvements he’d like to see the Cowboys make this offseason, he surprisingly revealed that he wants them to sign one player in particular to bolster that already impressive defense.
Parsons said that he wants the Cowboys to sign Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne.
On @PFT_Live, @MicahhParsons11 was asked what he wants to see the Cowboys do in the 2023 offseason. Parsons didn't hesitate — get @94yne a/k/a Daron Payne. https://t.co/REUSkLpnSV
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 11, 2023
Adding Payne to the Cowboys defense would be a pretty terrifying proposition for opposing quarterbacks.
The Cowboys were already 4th in the league in sacks 2022, racking up 54. Parsons was a big part of that with 13.5 sacks by himself.
Payne racked up 11.5 for the Commanders this past season.
Signing Payne would also help weaken the defense of a division rival.
However, fitting a contract for Payne under the cap could be tough for the Cowboys. Dallas is currently projected to be about $7.6 million over the cap. Even if they do manage to clear some cap space, they’re likely to spend on bringing Tony Pollard back.
They could also be interested in bringing in another receiver after their offense fell flat against the 49ers in the playoffs.
Even with that potential road block, the Dallas Cowboys making a move for Payne happen would be a huge win for the franchise and it looks like it would also have the support of one of their biggest stars.