The Dallas Cowboys are looking to free up some cap space in order to improve the roster and put forth the best possible squad in 2022. With the Super Bowl being the team's clear-cut goal next year, Jerry Jones and Co. are looking to make improvements wherever possible. After rumors about Amari Cooper's potential exit have emerged, another star player could be set for a similar fate. According to Cowboys insider Calvin Watkins, DeMarcus Lawrence's latest contract negotiations appear to have taken a turn for the worst, and his future with the team is now unclear.
DeMarcus Lawrence Declined To Take Pay Cut With Cowboys https://t.co/1VLe6CZpvv pic.twitter.com/J1SgonH2ro
— NFLTradeRumors.co (@nfltrade_rumors) March 7, 2022
The Cowboys reportedly asked Lawrence to take a pay cut heading into the 2022 season. Lawrence is due to make $19 million this season, as well as a $5 million signing bonus and a $3 million restructure bonus, but apparently rejected the Cowboys' request to reduce his salary.
Watkins reports that the Cowboys could in turn elect to release Lawrence, rather than pay him the amount he's due on his contract. Releasing Lawrence would see the Cowboys take a dead cap hit of $19 million, but would free up $8 million in cap space.
The star defensive end still has two years remaining on his contract. He would be due $19 million in base salary this year, and $21 million in 2023. Lawrence was signed to a five-year, $105 million deal in 2019 after having been franchise tagged in 2018.
The former second-round pick featured in just seven games last year after dealing with an injury, but made a significant impact in his return to action. Lawrence logged 21 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 5 pass breakups.
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