The Dallas Cowboys are set to use the franchise tag on defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence within the two-week window that ends on March 6, according to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News.

Cowboys will not place franchise tag on DeMarcus Lawrence tomorrow as that window opens but will do so by March 6 w/ understanding the goal is to reach a long-term deal. Both sides have until July 16 to make that happen.

It should come as no surprise that the Cowboys intend to tag Lawrence. The Cowboys have stressed that it’s their main goal this offseason to sign him to a long-term deal. The franchise tag will allow them to prolong negotiations with their talented pass-rusher on said deal until July 16. But if the two sides don’t have a contract agreed upon by the July 16 deadline, Lawrence will be set to make $17-18 million in 2018 on the franchise tag.

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After two injury-hit years in his first three in the league, the 25-year-old Lawrence finally had a breakout season with the Cowboys in 2017 as he recorded 14.5 sacks (second in the NFL) and 52 quarterback pressures.

While there's some concern about the multiple back surgeries Lawrence has already undergone, the Cowboys can’t really afford to let him walk. He's a promising young pass rusher, and that is a very valuable commodity in the NFL. He has the potential to become one of the cornerstones of that Dallas defense, which is why the Cowboys will look to do everything in their power to lock him up for the foreseeable future.

However, it is also in the team’s best interest to come to terms on a contract sooner rather than later. The franchise tag would take up a significant portion of their cap space this offseason, hindering their ability to make some much-needed improvements on the team for next season.