The Dallas Cowboys were hoping for a standout offseason to catapult themselves back into Super Bowl contention in the NFC.
Instead, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys have had a quiet start to free agency. They’ve lost star guard Zach Martin to retirement, yet to extend linebacker Micah Parsons, and their only significant signing so far is running back Javonte Williams.
With the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles and the rising Washington Commanders in their division, the Cowboys will need to navigate the NFL Draft and trade market with near perfection to stay competitive.
Things seem to be getting worse before they get better, as the Cowboys are now losing a four-time Pro Bowl defender who has been with the team since 2014.
DeMarcus Lawrence Leaving Dallas To Join Seattle Seahawks
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that former Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is heading to the Seattle Seahawks.
Garafolo tweeted, “Three years, $42 million max value for DeMarcus Lawrence to the #Seahawks with $18 million guaranteed after an injury-shortened season, announced by @davidcanter and @NessMugrabi of @aurasportsgroup.”
At 32 years old, Lawrence may not be the dominant player he once was, but the move adds insult to injury for Cowboys fans. He was ranked as PFSN’s No. 110 free agent by Sterling Xie, who discussed how the veteran defender could impact Seattle’s defense.
Xie wrote, “Lawrence will turn 33 in April, but the Seahawks seem to be betting that he’ll recapture his old Pro Bowl form. Pass rush was a strength for Seattle last season, with the Seahawks producing the third-highest pressure rate (38%).”
He added that Lawrence will likely serve as a rotational player behind Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe, as the Seahawks return much of their edge-rushing depth.
Seattle’s defense ranked No. 6 in PFSN’s Defense+ metric, so they didn’t have an urgent need to add defensive talent. However, after signing quarterback Sam Darnold to a significant three-year deal, the Seahawks seem intent on contending.
“Of course, this contract suggests the Seahawks see Lawrence as more than a depth player. It’s notable that the contract is worth ‘up to’ $42 million, indicating that much of it could be incentive-based,” Xie wrote. “The Seahawks appear to be paying for a version of Lawrence from the past.”
Lawrence played in only four games during the 2024 season, recording three sacks and one forced fumble. However, he played 17 games in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, proving that he can remain healthy and productive for a full campaign.
What Does Lawrence’s Departure Mean for the Cowboys?
Lawrence was a fixture on Dallas’s defensive line, but given that he missed the majority of the season in 2024, it gave the Cowboys a chance what the future looks like without him.
It allowed DT Osa Odighizuwa to take control off the frontline, and his 2024 resulted in a shiny four year extension. Odighizuwa set several career highs in sacks, total tackles, and quarterback hits.
Dallas also signed defensive end Solomon Thomas, and will expect a significant jump in performance from 2023 first-round pick and DT Mazi Smith.
Smith has played in every game of his NFL career, but only registered two sacks. His performance, however, steadily improved with 41 total tackles compared to the 13 in his rookie season.
Additionally, the Cowboys will potentially get linebacker DeMarvion Overshown who quickly became a reliable defender for Dallas, until he blew out his knee back in action.
Considering the significance of the injury, Overshown may start the season late, but his presence will be needed. Should Overshown not return in time, the Cowboys will be in decent shape with Marist Liufau who finished the season with 50 tackles (24 of them occurring in the final four games) and 1.5 sacks.