Cowboys’ DeMarcus Lawrence restructures contract, clears cap space

The Dallas Cowboys and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence have agreed to terms on a restructured contract, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The revised deal will convert $15 million of his 2020 base salary into a signing bonus, allowing the organization to clear $12 million in cap space.

Lawrence has been a mainstay of the Cowboys defensive line since he became a starter in 2015. He posted double-digit sacks in 2017 and 2018, but just 5.5 total takedowns in 2019—the first season into a five-year, $105 million extension, the biggest contract in Cowboys franchise history (until Dak Prescott gets paid).

However, Lawrence's advanced numbers indicate a typically productive season. His pressure rate (13.6 percent) was consistent with his career figure (13.5 percent), and he led the team in expected sacks, per Cowboys Wire. According to ESPN, his 25.8 percent pass rush win rate was fourth best in the NFL in 2019. With Lawrence signed through 2023, Dallas hopes the dip in his sack numbers is not indicative of a decline in skills.

Lawrence considered opting out of the 2020 season with a pregnant wife at home, until she encouraged him to play.

“My decision was made by my wife,” Lawrence explained via USA Today. “She basically told me there’s no way possible that I could miss this season.”

The Dallas D-line underwent a massive renovation this offseason, as Robert Quinn and Maliek Collins were replaced with veterans Everson Griffen and Dontari Poe. Rookie edge-rusher Bradlee Anae will look to make an impact as well after an impressive training camp. The Cowboys took a flyer on 30-year-old Aldon Smith, too.

The line suffered a major blow in training camp when another veteran signee, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, suffered a season-ending quad injury.

Lawrence, for one, is confident about the Cowboys roster heading into 2020.