The Dallas Cowboys didn't completely bungle negotiations with their most consequential free agent after all. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, DeMarcus Lawrence will sign a five-year, $105 million deal to remain with the Cowboys.
The #Cowboys and DeMarcus Lawrence broke through their stalemate and are going to have a 5-year year extension worth more than $100M, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. They’ve agreed on basic parameters of a deal, sources say. 💰💰💰
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 5, 2019
ESPN's Todd Archer shed additional light on terms of the deal.
The Cowboys have agreed to a five year, $105 million deal with DeMarcus Lawrence that includes $65 million guaranteed according to a source.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) April 5, 2019
Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith had previously reported on Friday that the sides were “getting close to an agreement” on a long-term contract.
Dallas used the franchise tag on Lawrence earlier this offseason, forcing the star pass-rusher's hand into playing the 2019 season on a one-year deal worth $20.5 million lest the sides reach an agreement on a new contract. After also playing last season on the franchise tag, though, Lawrence publicly expressed dismay at the prospect of doing so for a second consecutive season rather than signing a deal that would ensure his financial security for years to come.
He was officially designated with the franchise tag on March 4th, an expected development despite the Cowboys' stated desire to ink the former second-round pick to a multi-year contract. Previous reporting indicated that Lawrence was seeking a contract that would pay him at least $20 million annually, which is just less than amount he will receive after finally agreeing with Dallas on Friday.
Lawrence followed up a breakout 2017 campaign with another strong performance last season. He finished with 10.5 sacks, leading his team by a significant margin, and also contributed a career-high 64 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 23 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles.
Retaining Lawrence took on new importance for the Cowboys due to the status of defensive end Randy Gregory, who was suspended indefinitely in February for another violation of the league's substance abuse policy.
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