The defensive end Regarding his possible comeback to the Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus Lawrence is candid.

The Dallas Cowboys have always been a team synonymous with high expectations and even higher performances, particularly when it comes to defense. Throughout the franchise’s rich history, there have been a handful of players whose impact on the field and beyond has left an indelible mark. One of those players, no doubt, is DeMarcus Lawrence, the defensive end who has anchored the Cowboys’ defensive line for much of the past decade.

Lawrence’s journey with the Cowboys has been filled with ups and downs, both on the field and off, but he has remained one of the team’s most prominent and important figures. With the 2025 NFL season on the horizon, there has been growing speculation about Lawrence’s future with the Cowboys, particularly regarding the possibility of a return after a period of uncertainty surrounding his contract and career. The defensive end has been candid about his thoughts on the potential comeback and his outlook on both his career and the team’s future.

In this article, we’ll delve into the potential return of DeMarcus Lawrence to the Cowboys, reflecting on his past seasons with the team, the current state of his career, and the candid comments Lawrence has made about his future in Dallas.

DeMarcus Lawrence’s Legacy with the Dallas Cowboys

Before addressing the future, it’s important to take a look at DeMarcus Lawrence’s career with the Dallas Cowboys. A second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Lawrence quickly established himself as a force on the defensive line. His combination of speed, power, and tenacity made him an invaluable asset for the Cowboys’ defense, which had long been searching for a consistent pass-rusher. Lawrence became one of the league’s premier defensive ends, earning three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors during his tenure in Dallas.

Perhaps one of Lawrence’s most defining seasons came in 2017, when he recorded 14.5 sacks, marking a career-high and establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top pass-rushers. This breakout season not only solidified Lawrence as a defensive cornerstone for the Cowboys but also helped the team remain competitive in an NFC East division that was often highly contested.

In subsequent years, while injuries and changes to the Cowboys’ defense slowed his production at times, Lawrence continued to be a key leader on the field. His ability to both pressure the quarterback and provide stout run defense made him a well-rounded defensive end and one of the team’s captains. His leadership in the locker room, combined with his performances on Sundays, solidified Lawrence’s reputation as one of the Cowboys’ most respected players during his tenure.

Contract and the Question of a Comeback

As of 2025, Lawrence is in a somewhat precarious position. Having signed a five-year, $105 million contract extension in 2019, Lawrence’s deal with the Cowboys was one of the richest ever for a defensive player in franchise history. However, the contract has now become a point of tension, as the Cowboys face questions about cap space, roster construction, and the long-term viability of keeping Lawrence, especially with the emergence of younger talent in the defensive line.

In the 2024 offseason, rumors began to swirl that Lawrence might be a candidate for release or restructuring due to his hefty salary and the Cowboys’ salary cap constraints. After all, the team had younger pass-rushers like Micah Parsons and Sam Williams making waves, and the need for a high-priced veteran like Lawrence wasn’t as pressing. While the Cowboys did not immediately part ways with Lawrence, they did have to weigh the financial ramifications of keeping such a high-paid player on the roster.

The possibility of Lawrence returning to the team has been a subject of much speculation. After all, while he had become a fixture in the Cowboys’ defense, Lawrence’s age and potential decline in performance made it unclear whether he could maintain his previous levels of play. At the same time, the Cowboys were still in need of veteran leadership and a strong presence on the defensive line to complement their younger, emerging stars.

In interviews, Lawrence has been candid about the uncertainty surrounding his career. While he has expressed a desire to remain in Dallas for as long as possible, he’s also acknowledged that he understands the business side of the NFL. “Football is a business, and you never know what’s going to happen,” Lawrence remarked in an interview ahead of the 2025 offseason. “I love Dallas, and I’ve given everything I’ve got to this team. But I know the game changes, and I have to be ready for whatever comes next.”

The Potential for Restructuring or Release

The question that looms over Lawrence’s potential return is whether the Cowboys will be willing to keep him on the roster, particularly if it means restructuring his contract. As one of the highest-paid players on the team, Lawrence’s salary cap hit in 2025 is substantial. If the Cowboys wish to retain him, they may have to make adjustments to his deal, either through a contract extension or by converting some of his base salary into incentives or signing bonuses.

Given the Cowboys’ cap situation, restructuring Lawrence’s contract would likely involve reducing his salary in exchange for guarantees or extending the length of his contract to spread out the payments over additional years. Lawrence has expressed openness to this idea, stating, “I want to be here in Dallas. I’ve been here a long time, and this is home for me. If restructuring my deal helps the team, then I’m open to that. I want to play for a contender, and I think we’re in that position.”

However, this remains a delicate balance. The Cowboys will have to weigh their financial flexibility and how retaining Lawrence could impact their ability to address other needs. For example, there’s the question of re-signing players like Micah Parsons in the coming years, or potentially adding free agents to further bolster the defense. While Lawrence’s leadership and experience are invaluable, the Cowboys may ultimately decide that it’s time to move forward with younger, more cost-effective options.

For Lawrence, the possibility of being released or waived is a harsh reality, though he’s maintained a level-headed perspective. “If that happens, it happens,” Lawrence said. “At the end of the day, it’s all about my legacy. I’ve done everything I can here, and if I have to move on, I’ll do that too. I’ll always be grateful for what this organization gave me and what I was able to contribute.”

The Cowboys’ Need for Leadership and Experience

While the Cowboys have exciting young talent like Micah Parsons, who has become one of the best defensive players in the league, there’s an undeniable need for veteran leadership on the defense. This is where DeMarcus Lawrence’s value goes beyond just statistics and on-field performance. Lawrence has been a steadying influence in the locker room, and his knowledge of the game has helped mentor younger players, including Parsons and others along the defensive line.

The Cowboys’ defense, while talented, can at times struggle with consistency. A player like Lawrence, who has been through the ups and downs of the NFL for over a decade, can provide invaluable insight, particularly in high-pressure situations. His presence, both on the field and in meetings, helps set the tone for the rest of the unit, and his experience in big-game scenarios is something that can’t be easily replicated.

This intangible leadership quality is something the Cowboys’ coaching staff and management recognize. Even though Lawrence’s sack totals may not be what they once were, his ability to command respect and hold players accountable is crucial. Head coach Mike McCarthy has made it clear that leadership is a vital component of team success, and Lawrence fits that mold perfectly.

“I’ve had a chance to see DeMarcus grow as a player and as a leader,” McCarthy said in a recent press conference. “He’s a guy who brings everything he has to every practice and game, and that kind of work ethic is contagious. We need that in our locker room. Whether he’s starting or playing a reduced role, having him around makes us a better football team.”

The Future of DeMarcus Lawrence

As the 2025 season looms, DeMarcus Lawrence is faced with a crossroads in his career. While a return to the Cowboys remains a possibility, the team will have to balance his contract situation, on-field production, and role on the roster with the bigger picture of their salary cap and overall team strategy. For Lawrence, a possible comeback is more than just a business decision—it’s about finishing his career with the franchise that gave him his start and where he’s built his legacy.

Lawrence has made it clear that he doesn’t want to play anywhere else, and his commitment to the Cowboys is evident in his words and actions. However, he also understands that the NFL is a business, and decisions will ultimately be made by the team’s front office.

“I’m at peace with whatever happens,” Lawrence said. “At the end of the day, I want to go out on my terms. But if my time here is done, I’ll be grateful for everything the Cowboys gave me, and I’ll move forward with my head held high.”

For now, all eyes remain on DeMarcus Lawrence as the Cowboys weigh their options for the future. Regardless of the outcome, Lawrence’s legacy in Dallas is secure, and his influence will be felt long after he hangs up his cleats. Whether he returns to the field in 2025 or decides to ride off into the sunset, DeMarcus Lawrence’s impact on the Cowboys will endure.