It’s ‘tough’ for the Cowboys to sign D-Lawrence, but the source gives the brutal truth.
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, known for their star-studded rosters, legendary players, and championship aspirations. However, as is often the case in the NFL, the business side of football frequently complicates these ambitions. The Dallas Cowboys’ salary cap, player contracts, and team-building strategies have been under constant scrutiny, especially when it comes to retaining players who have helped define the team’s success. One player, in particular, whose future has been in limbo is defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence—a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense for nearly a decade.
Lawrence, who has been with the Cowboys since being drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, has become a fan favorite for his relentless play and leadership on the defensive line. Known for his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, Lawrence has established himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the league. However, as the Cowboys face mounting financial challenges and the constraints of the salary cap, it has become increasingly difficult for them to find a way to keep the veteran defensive end on their roster.
Despite being a key piece of Dallas’ defense, Lawrence’s future with the team is uncertain, and a source close to the Cowboys recently shed light on just how “tough” the situation is. This article will delve into the current state of the Cowboys’ roster, their salary cap limitations, and the brutal truth behind the difficulty of signing DeMarcus Lawrence to a new deal. While both sides understand the significance of keeping Lawrence in Dallas, the realities of the NFL’s financial landscape are making that decision much more challenging.
The Importance of DeMarcus Lawrence to the Cowboys
Before diving into the salary cap and business considerations, it’s important to understand why DeMarcus Lawrence is so vital to the Dallas Cowboys’ success. Since entering the league in 2014, Lawrence has consistently been one of the top defensive players on the roster. He is a powerful force on the edge, capable of disrupting passing plays, creating turnovers, and setting the tone for the defense.
Lawrence’s impact has been felt in multiple ways. He is known for his ability to get to the quarterback, registering multiple double-digit sack seasons throughout his career, including a standout 2017 campaign when he recorded 14.5 sacks and earned a Pro Bowl selection. Even when his sack numbers aren’t through the roof, Lawrence consistently draws double teams and opens up opportunities for his teammates to make plays. His ability to affect the game doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet, but his presence is felt by offensive linemen and quarterbacks alike.
Beyond his physical abilities, Lawrence is also a vocal leader in the locker room. His experience and leadership have been a stabilizing force for the Cowboys’ defense, particularly in the face of adversity. With young stars like Micah Parsons emerging on the defensive side of the ball, Lawrence’s mentorship and steadying influence cannot be overstated.
The Cowboys’ Salary Cap Struggles: A Looming Challenge
The financial side of the NFL can be unforgiving, and the Dallas Cowboys are no exception. While they are one of the wealthiest and most popular franchises in sports, they are still bound by the constraints of the salary cap. In recent years, the Cowboys have been navigating a tight cap situation, which has forced them to make difficult decisions regarding their roster.
For years, the Cowboys have tried to balance paying their key players while also building a competitive roster. High-profile players like Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Amari Cooper have commanded significant cap space, leaving the Cowboys with limited flexibility in other areas. The situation became more complicated with the emergence of stars like Micah Parsons, who is expected to earn a significant payday when his rookie contract expires. The Cowboys also need to invest in retaining other key players on both sides of the ball, which means they have to be strategic about how they allocate their cap space.
DeMarcus Lawrence’s contract is one of the key points of contention in the Cowboys’ cap dilemma. Lawrence signed a five-year, $105 million extension in 2019, which included a substantial signing bonus. His contract is structured in such a way that it creates significant cap hits, particularly in the later years. In 2023, Lawrence is set to earn $19.9 million in base salary and roster bonus, which represents a large portion of the Cowboys’ available cap space.
While Lawrence remains one of the team’s most important defensive players, the Cowboys must find a way to balance his salary against the rest of the roster. The team faces a situation where they need to decide whether to rework his contract, release him, or find another way to create the necessary cap space to keep him around. As much as the Cowboys want to retain Lawrence, they must navigate the financial realities of the NFL, which may ultimately make it “tough” to keep him.
Why It’s Tough to Sign DeMarcus Lawrence: A Source Breaks It Down
A source close to the Cowboys recently provided insight into why re-signing or retaining DeMarcus Lawrence is such a difficult proposition for the team. The source was blunt in describing the situation as “tough,” primarily because of the constraints the team faces due to the salary cap. According to the source, there are a few major factors making it hard for the Cowboys to move forward with a new deal for Lawrence.
- Cap Constraints and Player Priorities
The most pressing issue, as highlighted by the source, is the Cowboys’ overall cap situation. The team’s cap space is limited, and with several key players requiring extensions or new contracts in the near future, the Cowboys simply cannot afford to allocate large sums of money to one player without significantly affecting other areas of the roster. For example, while DeMarcus Lawrence is a critical part of the defense, the Cowboys also have pressing needs on the offensive side of the ball and in the secondary.
The source explained that, with young talent emerging and other players needing contract adjustments, it may become necessary to let go of high-priced veterans like Lawrence in order to create space for younger players who offer long-term value at a lower price. The team is faced with a dilemma—whether to keep Lawrence at his current price tag or free up space for younger players who can grow into bigger roles over the next few years.
- Lawrence’s Contract Structure
As mentioned earlier, Lawrence’s current contract is a significant factor in the Cowboys’ cap struggles. The source pointed out that Lawrence’s current deal has a substantial base salary for 2023, which would make it challenging for the team to restructure without incurring a hefty cap hit. To make matters worse, the Cowboys’ cap situation requires them to make tough decisions on who to prioritize.
The source noted that while Lawrence is an elite talent, the Cowboys’ decision may ultimately come down to financial necessity. A restructured deal, while possible, would require both sides to compromise on the amount of money Lawrence could earn in the short term. Given that Lawrence has been a consistent performer for Dallas, he may want to be compensated fairly for his contributions, which could complicate negotiations.
- The Emergence of Micah Parsons and Other Talent
Another factor that the source highlighted as making it “tough” for the Cowboys to keep Lawrence is the rise of younger talent on the defense, particularly Micah Parsons. Parsons, who is quickly becoming one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, is expected to earn a hefty contract extension when his rookie deal expires. As the Cowboys’ most valuable defensive player, Parsons will likely be the centerpiece of their defense for years to come. The Cowboys will need to prioritize keeping him around, which could limit their ability to pay Lawrence the money he wants.
Moreover, the source indicated that the Cowboys have other young players on defense—such as Trevon Diggs—who will also need contract extensions in the coming seasons. The Cowboys must balance retaining all of their key players without overcommitting to one individual, particularly when cap space is tight.
- A Possible Release or Trade
If the Cowboys are unable to reach a favorable agreement with Lawrence, they may be faced with the difficult decision of releasing him or trading him to another team. The source noted that while a trade could be an option, it would come with its own set of challenges. Lawrence’s salary is significant, and teams may not be willing to take on the entire contract without the Cowboys providing some compensation in return.
Additionally, releasing Lawrence outright would free up cap space but would also leave a void on the defensive line. The Cowboys would need to find a suitable replacement, which could take time and resources. Either way, the source emphasized that the Cowboys would need to weigh the impact of losing a player of Lawrence’s caliber against the need to create financial flexibility.
The Tough Reality for DeMarcus Lawrence and the Cowboys
The brutal truth behind the Cowboys’ ability to re-sign DeMarcus Lawrence is rooted in the difficult realities of the NFL salary cap system. While Lawrence remains an integral part of the Cowboys’ defense, the team’s financial limitations and the emergence of younger talent make it increasingly challenging to retain him at his current salary.
As the Cowboys face decisions on how to allocate their cap space moving forward, they will have to make tough choices. Lawrence’s future in Dallas remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Cowboys value his contributions and would prefer to keep him, if feasible. The brutal truth, however, is that the NFL is a business, and sometimes even the most beloved players must be part of the tough decisions teams must make to build a championship-caliber roster.
While the future remains uncertain, Cowboys fans can take solace in knowing that DeMarcus Lawrence’s legacy with the franchise is firmly cemented, and his impact on the team, both on and off the field, will be remembered for years to come. Whether he stays in Dallas or moves on to another opportunity, his influence on the Cowboys’ defense will continue to be felt.
