Cowboys' goals 'haven't changed' after Parsons trade, says coach - ESPN

FRISCO, Texas — There was a mix of shock and surprise in the Dallas Cowboys locker room when they were informed Thursday night that edge rusher Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark.

Parsons broke the news to his fellow defensive linemen in a group chat. Other players found out through their own positions' group chats or social media.

«We've got to win with who we have,» special teams ace and one of the veteran leaders, C.J. Goodwin, said. «And I think we have enough.»

Soon after the trade, coach Brian Schottenheimer said he called 12-14 players just so they could hear his voice. Quarterback Dak Prescott was one of the players. So was Trevon Diggs, who was perhaps Parsons' closest friend on the team.

«I did want those guys to feel like they had a chance to talk to me,» Schottenheimer said. «I said, 'You guys can say anything you want to me. Here's why we made the decision. Here's what went into it.' Again, those conversations were powerful but also will stay between me and them.»

On Friday, Schottenheimer addressed the full team with a message.

«Nothing's changed. My goals haven't changed, Our team goals haven't changed,» Schottenheimer said. «I hit the players on that today after I talked about just the tough couple days for all the guys, and it doesn't change. The standard is the standard. I said that. With all the new pieces and people we had in there, I needed to hit the goal, which is to win a world's championship. I needed to hit that we also want to build one of the greatest professional sports cultures in the world. That's part of the deal when you add new pieces, you have to make sure they understand your vision.»

The team also acknowledged