Veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence has agreed to a three-year, $40 million deal with $30 million fully guaranteed to remain with the Dallas Cowboys, according to his agent David Canter. Lawrence had two years remaining on his previous deal, with a cap number of $27 million in 2022. By the end of the three years, Lawrence will have earned $130 million over the course of the deal.
DeMarcus Lawrence’s contract extension makes history
In a text message, Canter emphasized that Lawrence will have a fully guaranteed contract for seven consecutive years. That makes him the first defensive end in NFL history in the modern era to have that kind of contract guaranteed language. The last guarantees of the previous deal ended in 2021, but his salaries for 2022, 2023, and 2024 are now guaranteed as part of this extension.
Lawrence, 29, is a former second-round draft pick from Boise State. He was signed to a five-year, $105 million contract in 2019. That deal was set to pay $19 million and $21 million in base salary over the next two years.
Last season, Lawrence played in seven games and recorded 21 tackles, 3 sacks, a defensive touchdown, 2 forced fumbles, and 5 pass deflections.
More free agency news and rumors around the NFL
What else is happening around the NFL as we head into the legal tampering period, which began at 12 PM ET on Monday, March 14? Here’s a rundown of what we’re hearing.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers are expected to retain veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas in free agency, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly. Douglas and the Packers have mutual interest in extending their working relationship following an outstanding season, per sources.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are not entirely satisfied with moving forward with Baker Mayfield as their starting quarterback, and that has prompted them to explore trade scenarios for Houston Texans three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson. Additionally, they have fielded exploratory trade calls from other NFL teams about Mayfield, according to league sources not authorized to speak.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are expected to pursue Arizona Cardinals veteran pass rusher Chandler Jones as one of the top players in free agency, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to move on from veteran defensive end Frank Clark if they can’t trade or reduce his $26.3 million salary cap figure, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks
Deshaun Watson, one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, is in heavy demand as his trade market has skyrocketed since his legal victory Friday afternoon.