Dallas Cowboys star edge-rusher Micah Parsons seemingly approves of new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s plans.

“I think it’s gonna be a very interesting year,” Parsons said Thursday, via Patrik Walker of the team website. “What I’m gonna be doing is a whole bunch of stuff — dropping in the flats, curls, it’s really everything. They’re expanding my versatility and using me in ways I should be used, and moving me around to make [offenses] ID me from other places; and [sending] me when they should send me.”

Over the past two seasons, Parsons mainly served as a pass-rusher under former DC Dan Quinn. Per Pro Football Focus, he lined up on 1,001 pass-rush snaps compared to 81 in coverage. During his rookie season in 2021, he logged 307 pass-rush snaps and 284 in coverage.

The strategy has produced some success. Last season, the three-time Pro Bowler kept establishing himself as a game-wrecker, tying for seventh in the league in sacks with a career-high 14 in 17 games. It could also be one reason the Cowboys faltered in the playoffs again.

In a 48-32 home loss in the wild-card round, the Green Bay Packers shut Parsons down, as he only had two tackles and one QB hit. The Cowboys finished with zero sacks, allowing Packers QB Jordan Love to complete 16-of-21 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns.

Moving Parsons around takes some of the onus off him. He added that Zimmer wants to “[bring] pressure from other places.”

Cowboys DE Sam Williams suffered a season-ending ACL/LCL tear at the beginning of camp, possibly hindering their ability to generate pressure.

However, second-round pick Marshawn Kneeland could step up. Before the draft, The 33rd Team contributor Greg Cosell compared Kneeland to 2016 Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack.

If Zimmer’s plan works, it may increase Parsons’ impact and strengthen the Cowboys’ elite defense. Last season, Dallas ranked No. 5 in the league in points allowed (18.5).