The clock is ticking on the Dallas Cowboys’ window to lock up star defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence to a long-term contract extension. The Cowboys, who handed Lawrence the franchise tag worth $17 million earlier this offseason, have until July 16 to come to terms on a long-term deal.
According to Calvin Watkins of The Athletic, Lawrence is looking for a five-year deal, and that the two sides are expected to meet next week to try and hash things out.
However, that could be difficult, in part because Lawrence is apparently waiting for other top pass rushers in line for huge deals－Khalil Mack, Aaron Donald, and Jadeveon Clowney－to set the market before he sets his own price.
Watkins also notes that Lawrence is expecting more total money than what the Vikings’ Danielle Hunter got when he signed his five-year, $72 million extension. Instead, he has his sights set on being paid as if he's in the upper echelon of the position.
When healthy, Lawrence has shown that he has the potential to be worth that type of money. He had a breakout year in 2017 with 14.5 sacks in 16 games. But the problem is he hasn’t been healthy enough to produce a body of work anywhere near Mack, Donald, or Clowney. He’s missed a quarter of his first four seasons in the league due to two back surgeries.
The Cowboys now have a tricky choice whether to preemptively pay Lawrence the elite-level money the other three are likely to get or simply wait until they set the market. They’ll need to think long and hard if they want to do the former, and they risk running out of time if they pick the latter. Time is of the essence for the Cowboys, and they must choose wisely.
Follow Us
Subscribe