DeMarcus Lawrence’s agent hinted he could be making a return to the Dallas Cowboys ahead of a meeting with the team.

DeMarcus Lawrence’s Agent Hints at a Potential Return to the Dallas Cowboys Ahead of Meeting with the Team

As the NFL offseason heats up, one of the more intriguing storylines surrounding the Dallas Cowboys involves veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. A cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense for several years, Lawrence’s future with the team has been uncertain. However, recent comments from Lawrence’s agent have fueled speculation that the star pass rusher could be on the verge of returning to the Cowboys, potentially helping to solidify their defense as they look to compete for an NFC Championship.

DeMarcus Lawrence has been a leader on the Cowboys’ defense since being drafted in 2014, and his contributions on the field have been undeniable. Known for his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, Lawrence has posted impressive sack numbers throughout his career, even leading the NFL in sacks in 2017 with 14.5. His tenacity, leadership, and presence on the defensive line have made him one of the most feared pass rushers in the league. However, after several seasons of high production, Lawrence’s contract situation and potential departure from Dallas had fans and analysts alike questioning whether he would return for another season with the team.

The news that Lawrence’s agent hinted at a potential return to the Cowboys adds a new layer of excitement to an offseason already filled with anticipation. With the Cowboys looking to bolster their defense to keep pace with the likes of the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, the potential re-signing of Lawrence could provide a major boost to their defensive line and, by extension, their championship hopes. But what does this mean for Lawrence, the Cowboys, and their future together? Let’s dive into the potential dynamics of a Lawrence return and how it could impact the Cowboys moving forward.

The Current State of the Dallas Cowboys Defense

Before assessing the impact of DeMarcus Lawrence’s potential return, it’s important to first take a step back and evaluate the current state of the Cowboys’ defense. Under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, the Cowboys have developed one of the most dominant and disruptive defenses in the NFL, with a particular emphasis on the defensive line. The combination of pass rushers, such as Micah Parsons and Lawrence, along with standout players like Trevon Diggs in the secondary, has made the Cowboys’ defense a formidable unit.

Micah Parsons has rapidly ascended to the top ranks of defensive players in the league, earning a reputation as one of the most versatile and dangerous pass rushers in the NFL. His ability to line up at different positions and wreak havoc on quarterbacks has given the Cowboys a dynamic defensive force. However, despite Parsons’ brilliance, the Cowboys’ defensive line still needs a strong veteran presence to complement the younger talent.

This is where DeMarcus Lawrence comes into play. Though Lawrence has had some injury issues over the years, when healthy, he remains one of the most reliable pass rushers on the Cowboys’ roster. Over the past few seasons, Lawrence has continued to be a key contributor to the defense, though his production has fluctuated. After recording 6.5 sacks in 2021, Lawrence bounced back with a solid 6 sacks in 2022, but injuries and inconsistent play affected his ability to fully dominate. The Cowboys have made moves to add depth to their defensive line, but Lawrence’s leadership and ability to rush the passer effectively remain valuable assets for the team.

A potential return for Lawrence would give the Cowboys a veteran presence that can continue to help lead the defensive front. It would also provide valuable experience to the younger players on the roster, particularly the likes of Parsons, who is still developing as a pass rusher. The presence of Lawrence on the defensive line would help keep opposing offensive lines guessing, as the duo of Lawrence and Parsons could be one of the most lethal pass-rushing tandems in the league.

The Business of Football: Lawrence’s Contract Situation

One of the main reasons why Lawrence’s future with the Cowboys was uncertain for much of the offseason was his contract situation. In 2021, Lawrence restructured his deal with the Cowboys to create cap space, but he was still slated to earn a significant salary in 2023. The Cowboys have been making moves to get their salary cap situation in order, and with Lawrence’s contract set to expire, the team was faced with a difficult decision: should they bring him back, or should they part ways and look for an upgrade through the draft or free agency?

As of now, Lawrence’s deal is set to expire, making him a free agent and placing him in a vulnerable position. However, rumors have swirled for months about the Cowboys’ interest in bringing him back at a more affordable price. His agent’s recent comments about a potential return to Dallas suggest that both Lawrence and the Cowboys are interested in working out a deal that benefits both parties.

For Lawrence, returning to Dallas would provide him with a chance to finish his career with the team that drafted him and to continue competing for a Super Bowl. For the Cowboys, bringing back Lawrence would help to maintain a strong defensive front and provide stability at the defensive end position. Lawrence’s familiarity with the system, his leadership, and his ability to impact the game make him a valuable asset, even if his production has dipped in recent seasons.

How a Return Could Impact the Cowboys’ Defense

If DeMarcus Lawrence does indeed return to the Cowboys, his presence on the defensive line would have several ripple effects on the defense as a whole. While Parsons has taken center stage as the Cowboys’ top pass rusher, having Lawrence back would provide the team with another established player who can create pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This would not only make the defense more unpredictable but also allow the Cowboys to be more creative with their defensive schemes.

With Lawrence and Parsons on the field together, the Cowboys could deploy a variety of different pass-rushing formations, utilizing both players in ways that force offenses to account for them on every play. Parsons, with his ability to line up in different spots, could move around the field, and Lawrence could remain a consistent presence on the edge. This would create a situation where offenses would have to dedicate more resources to blocking both players, potentially freeing up other pass rushers or allowing the secondary to make plays.

Furthermore, Lawrence’s leadership and experience could play a critical role in the development of younger players on the defense. For example, second-year player Sam Williams, who showed flashes of potential in his rookie season, could benefit from learning from a seasoned veteran like Lawrence. Lawrence’s approach to preparation, his work ethic, and his understanding of offensive schemes would undoubtedly rub off on Williams and other young defensive linemen.

In terms of specific production, Lawrence may not return to the sack totals he once posted, but his ability to consistently disrupt the quarterback and set the edge against the run remains valuable. Over the years, Lawrence has developed a reputation as a well-rounded defensive lineman who does more than just rush the passer. He’s an excellent run defender, which is crucial for a Cowboys team that prides itself on maintaining a balanced defense that can stop both the pass and the run.

The Future of DeMarcus Lawrence in Dallas

While the potential return of DeMarcus Lawrence is certainly an exciting prospect, it’s also important to look at the bigger picture of where Lawrence fits into the Cowboys’ long-term plans. Lawrence is 31 years old, and while he’s proven to be a durable player over the course of his career, there’s no denying that he’s on the back end of his playing days. Given that the Cowboys have already invested heavily in the younger pass rusher in Parsons, the team will have to balance its approach to the defensive line in the coming years.

This could mean that Lawrence’s return is likely to be more about depth and leadership than a primary role in the defense moving forward. A deal that brings Lawrence back on a shorter-term contract, perhaps with performance-based incentives, could be the perfect solution. This would allow the Cowboys to keep Lawrence in the fold for a few more years while also keeping the door open for younger players to eventually take over as the primary pass rushers on the team.

For Lawrence, a return to the Cowboys would likely be about more than just money—it would be an opportunity to continue playing in a system that he knows well and competing for a Super Bowl. The Cowboys are a team that has shown promise in recent years but has fallen short in the playoffs, and Lawrence would likely relish the opportunity to be part of a defense that has championship aspirations.