Brian Schottenheimer’s updates paint a positive picture of where the Cowboys stand heading into the preseason
Trevon Diggs is recovering well, and the infusion of talent through trades and free agency has brought both energy and depth to the defensive roster.
While it’s still early, and the true tests will come in the regular season, the foundation being built this offseason is encouraging.
If all goes according to plan — and injuries are avoided — Dallas could field one of the most complete defenses in the NFL in 2025.
With the preseason just weeks away, Cowboys fans have reason to be excited. The return of Trevon Diggs, the emergence of Kaiir Elam, and the impact of players like Sanborn and Murray could all prove instrumental in the team’s pursuit of a Super Bowl.
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Table of Contents
Brian Schottenheimer’s Long Wait
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, although on the opposite side of the ball from Parsons, has felt the impact of the All-Pro’s absence.1
In today’s modern NFL, even offensive minds like Schottenheimer understand and appreciate the kind of preparation needed to go up against elite pass rushers.
He knows firsthand what a disruptor like Parsons means—not only in games, but also in practices. The young defender elevates the intensity level and sharpens the team on both sides of the field.
In a recent media session, Schottenheimer shed some light on the situation, offering Cowboys Nation a bit of hope.
He revealed that he recently spoke with Parsons and came away from the conversation feeling confident about the pass rusher’s return.
According to Schottenheimer, Parsons is expected to report to next week’s mandatory minicamp—a critical step in reestablishing normalcy within the team.
“Great Communication” Between Coach and Star
During his press conference, Schottenheimer emphasized the positive communication he’s had with Parsons.
The phrase “great communication” was used multiple times, signaling not only that talks are ongoing but also that they’re productive.
This is a key distinction in professional sports, where breakdowns in communication often spell doom for player-team relationships.
“Everything that he and I have talked about, I expect that he would be here,” Schottenheimer stated. “Each and every week Micah and I have had great communication, everything I’ve asked him to do and vice versa he’s followed through on.”
Such comments are a sharp departure from the vague and sometimes contentious statements coaches make when players are in contract limbo. Instead, Schottenheimer painted a picture of mutual respect and shared vision—a promising sign that both sides are working toward a resolution that satisfies all parties.
Brian Schottenheimer’s Comment
More Than Just Physical Presence
One of the most intriguing takeaways from Schottenheimer’s comments was his take on what it means to be “present.”2
While many might equate presence with physically showing up for practice or running drills, Schottenheimer offered a broader interpretation:
“Being present doesn’t necessarily mean being here all the time. Doesn’t even necessarily mean having to practice.
It means being around the guys.”
This speaks volumes about Parsons’ role not just as a player but as a leader and cultural touchstone within the Cowboys’ locker room. Even in absence, Parsons is seen as a guiding force—a sign of how integral he has become to the team’s identity.
Happy Birthday @GeorgeFant74 🎉
Love the way you constantly work on your game. Always a smile on your face. Sky is the limit. pic.twitter.com/iqbUmCRinc— Brian Schottenheimer (@CoachSchotty) July 19, 2019
Parsons’ Passion for the Process
Beyond contract disputes and public speculation, it’s clear that Micah Parsons has a deep-rooted love for football and a strong belief in what the Cowboys are building.
Schottenheimer underscored this when he said, “The thing that I know about Micah is Micah wants to be here. He’s excited about what we’re building. He’s been a big proponent of that.”
This level of commitment suggests that Parsons’ absence is purely business and not born of frustration or disillusionment.
His ongoing communication with coaching staff and continued interest in the team’s development show that he’s still mentally and emotionally invested. That’s a critical differentiator in situations like these.
Brian Schottenheimer: Dallas’ Super Bowl Aspirations
Dallas enters the 2025 season with high expectations. After a string of playoff disappointments, fans are growing impatient, and the pressure on head coach Mike McCarthy’s staff is intensifying.3
For the Cowboys to break their championship drought, they need all hands on deck—and that especially includes Micah Parsons.
Parsons is not just a great player; he’s a game-changer, the kind of defender who can tilt the field and disrupt the best offenses in the NFL. He’s already been a two-time First-Team All-Pro and a top-three candidate for Defensive Player of the Year multiple times.
His ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and even drop into coverage makes him one of the most complete defenders in football today.
His presence on the field not only boosts the defense—it also indirectly benefits the offense. Practicing against elite talent raises the standard for the entire team. That’s why Schottenheimer, despite his focus being offense, is so eager to see Parsons back in uniform.
The Financial Frontier
Of course, all of this hinges on the Cowboys and Parsons reaching an agreement on his next contract.
As it stands, Parsons is expected to command a deal north of $30 million per year—figures that would make him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. While some might balk at that number, his resume backs it up.
Prescott and Lamb’s extensions set a precedent, and Parsons, who has arguably been more impactful on a down-to-down basis, certainly sees himself in that tier.
Negotiations of this magnitude require time, patience, and compromise, but if the Cowboys want to compete for a Super Bowl, retaining their most disruptive defender is non-negotiable.
Micah’s Return: More Than Just Symbolic
If Parsons does return for mandatory minicamp as expected, it would be a significant turning point.
Not only would it bring clarity to a murky situation, but it would also provide a morale boost for a team that has been trying to maintain momentum during the offseason.
Players like Parsons set the tone. They lead by example. They hold teammates accountable. Simply having him back in the locker room and on the practice field—even in a limited capacity—would be a major win for the Cowboys.
Cowboys Fans: A Moment of Relief
For Dallas fans, Schottenheimer’s comments offer a rare moment of peace in the NFL offseason—a season often filled with speculation, rumors, and anxiety.
The idea that Micah Parsons is communicating well with coaches and eager to return bodes well not just for training camp, but for the team’s overall 2025 outlook.
The Cowboys still have work to do. A new contract for Parsons remains a major piece of the puzzle. But for now, they can take comfort in the fact that the team’s most important defensive player remains locked in, even from a distance.
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Brian Schottenheimer Provides Insight on Trevon Diggs’ Recovery
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the 2025 NFL season, Brian Schottenheimer — the team’s former offensive coordinator and current offensive analyst — gave an optimistic update on the progress of star cornerback Trevon Diggs and shared insights on key defensive additions.
With the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams set for August 9, fans are eager to know how the defense, particularly the secondary and linebacker corps, is shaping up.
Trevon Diggs, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, suffered a devastating knee injury early in the 2024 season that sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
His absence left a noticeable void in the Cowboys’ secondary, which struggled to maintain consistency without its top playmaker.
In a recent media appearance, Schottenheimer provided a promising update on Diggs’ rehab journey:
“I talked to Trevon last week. He’s down in Miami doing some training. No timeline for his return, but he had to come back a couple weeks ago to get checked out by the doc. All signs are positive.”
Diggs is working with renowned trainers in Miami, known for rehabbing elite athletes, and the encouraging news from the team doctors suggests his return might not be far off.
Though the Cowboys are remaining cautious with setting a timeline, the optimism from Schottenheimer indicates that Diggs could potentially see action early in the regular season if his recovery continues at the current pace.
Diggs’ Importance to the Dallas Defense
Trevon Diggs’ value to the Cowboys cannot be overstated. Since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Diggs has developed into one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league.
He led the NFL in interceptions in 2021 with 11 and has been a game-changer in tight coverage.
His ability to shadow top receivers, create turnovers, and provide veteran leadership in the secondary has made him a cornerstone of Dallas’ defensive scheme.
Getting him back to full health would significantly boost the Cowboys’ chances in a highly competitive NFC.
Brian Schottenheimer: Leadership and Chemistry on Defense
A common thread in Schottenheimer’s remarks was the emphasis on leadership and chemistry.
The defense is undergoing a slight transition with the addition of new personnel, but the culture remains competitive and collaborative.
Veterans like Sanborn are taking younger players under their wing, and players like Diggs, even while injured, continue to be vocal presences in team meetings and training sessions.
This level of camaraderie and mentorship is often what separates good teams from great ones — and it’s clear that the Cowboys are cultivating that kind of environment as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Preseason Opener: A Crucial Test
The Cowboys will open their preseason schedule against the Los Angeles Rams on August 9, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. CT.
While preseason games are typically more about evaluation than results, this matchup will offer the first look at many of the new additions, including Elam, Sanborn, and Murray.
It’s also expected that fans may see Diggs on the sidelines supporting his teammates, a sign that his involvement with the team remains strong even as he continues to rehab.
For fringe roster players and depth chart battles, the Rams game will be pivotal. Young players hoping to make the 53-man roster — especially on the defensive side — will need to show their value in live reps.
The Bigger Picture for Dallas
Coming off a disappointing playoff exit in 2024, the Cowboys are eager to make a deeper postseason run in 2025.
While much of the attention will always fall on quarterback Dak Prescott and the offense, it’s the defense — particularly with the return of Diggs and the revamped linebacker corps — that could be the key to a championship push.
With Micah Parsons continuing to dominate up front and veterans like DeMarcus Lawrence anchoring the defensive line, the pieces are in place for an elite unit.
The question now becomes how quickly the new faces can adapt and how effectively returning players like Diggs can regain their pre-injury form.
