Former $105 million player puts Dallas Cowboys face to face with a tough decision ahead of this year's free agency
The Dallas Cowboys are negotiating a contract extension with defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and talks with Micah Parsons are likely to follow. Now, there's officially one more huge decision they'll face ahead of this year's NFL free agency. That's because pending free agent DeMarcus Lawrence is leaving no doubt. His agent David Canter told 105.3 The […]
The Dallas Cowboys are negotiating a contract extension with defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and talks with Micah Parsons are likely to follow. Now, there's officially one more huge decision they'll face ahead of this year's NFL free agency.
That's because pending free agent DeMarcus Lawrence is leaving no doubt. His agent David Canter told 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday Lawrence wishes to continue playing football. Earlier this month, a Stephen Jones interview with Dallas Morning News seemed to suggest they were waiting on Lawrence to make a decision about his future.
Lawrence is at the stage of his career in which re-signing him is far from a no-brainer. Though he remains one of the most complete defensive ends in the NFL and one of the best run defenders, the player who once signed a $105 million contract will be 33 years old when the season starts.
Additionally, Lawrence is coming off of a Lisfranc (foot) injury that knocked him out for the year four games into the 2024 season. That could significantly bring his value down in March.
What is clear is if Lawrence wishes to pursue one last payday before hanging it up, the defensive end might be willing to wait until free agency kicks off to see how high a bidding war could go.
According to Pro Football Focus, Lawrence is projected to sign a two-year deal worth $7.5 million per year.
The Cowboys themselves have a significant need for edge rusher depth as Micah Parsons is currently the only proven player at the position guaranteed to return in 2025. Chauncey Golston joins Lawrence on the list of pending free agents and Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland have yet to prove they can start at the NFL level.
Whether it's by trying to bring back Lawrence or signing another low-cost edge rusher in free agency or even in the NFL Draft, expect the Cowboys to address the position this offseason.
