The Dallas Cowboys returned to the postseason as a result of the 2018-19 campaign. While Dallas sported an impressive trifecta comprised of quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and former Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper on offense, it was actually the Cowboys' defense that rounded out the team's attack down the stretch.

Thanks to Dallas' most recent NFC East title, it appears as though the once heralded franchise will be attempting to keep a major part of the team's defense intact for at least one more season. According to a weekend report from Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Cowboys are planning to use the team's franchise tag on DeMarcus Lawrence this offseason.

It is also worth noting that Lawrence is no stranger to encountering a franchise tag as Dallas used the same strategy to retain his services just last year.

“I spoke with Lawrence last March after the Cowboys used the tag on him the first time,” writes Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com. “He didn't mind the huge single-season salary one bit, but noted that his price would only go up if a long-term deal wasn't worked out by the deadline. After another standout campaign, he's been proven absolutely right.”

The 26-year-old pass rusher was originally selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Boise State. Spending his entire five-year NFL career in Dallas as it stands today, the veteran defender most recently registered 64 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception across all 16 regular season games.