At some point a team has to know when it’s time to move on. Veteran players who have played past their primes can bog down a roster. They can be progress stoppers to the next generation, and they can be liabilities at all the worst moments. Father Time catches up with everyone and the NFL is certainly no exception. In fact, most of the time it’s the rule.
Going on his 12th season with the Dallas Cowboys, many have assumed DeMarcus Lawrence falls into this category of player. A carryover from the Tony Romo era, Lawrence is a free agent this offseason. The 32-year-old is coming off a tough year, playing only four games, a career low. Set to hit free agency in less than two weeks time, the timing appears right for a separation.
Despite that though, the Cowboys are said to be in negotiations with Lawrence. Lawrence’s agent, David Canter, has conveyed his optimism a deal will get done and the veteran defensive end can return to the only team he’s ever suited up for. The interest in retaining Lawrence may be confusing to some, but given the size and shape of the Cowboys defense next season, it actually makes perfect sense.
Agent Dave Canter tells @1053thefan about DeMarcus Lawrence: “Good news 100% healthy, bad news is he’s a free agent so for Dallas Cowboys fans who love DeMarcus Lawrence there’s a possibility that he leaves.” Canter is optimistic Lawrence can return. He meets with team Friday.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) February 27, 2025
Matt Eberflus, Dallas’ new defensive coordinator, doesn’t blitz like Mike Zimmer, nor stunt like Dan Quinn. He prioritizes run defense and coverage. For pressure, he generally relies on his front four linemen’s individual ability. Finding players who are capable of creating pressure and still maintaining run responsibilities is the trick. It’s why defensive line is such a need heading into free agency and the draft.
The need to have a high-end 3-technique at defensive tackle is why the Cowboys are pushing to retain Osa Odighizuwa. The need to field a well-balanced DE opposite Micah Parsons is why Lawrence is still a good fit. While Lawrence’s sack production has declined over the years, his pressure rate and run stop grades have remained strong. He’s a do-it-all player who is sound in all aspects of the game and up until last season he’s been extremely durable as well.
Lawrence could be seen as a roadblock to recent second-round picks like Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland (both DEs as well), but the modern-day NFL uses defensive linemen in rotations so having four starting-level DEs on the roster is almost a necessity. Over the past four seasons, two of which were Pro Bowl campaigns, Lawrence has averaged between 57-63 percent of the available defensive snaps across games in which he suited up. Lawrence would still be the frontline starter, but he wouldn’t be dominating the workload. It’s not as if Williams or Kneeland have proven to be capable starters yet, anyway. Kneeland underwhelmed as a rookie and Williams missed the entire season recovering from knee surgery. A supporting role for them would be logical in 2025.
Obviously, price will play a big part in this union. Pro Football Focus estimates Lawrence’s value to be two years at $7,500,000 per season. It’s only slightly more than the Cowboys other free agent DE, Chauncey Golston, and offers the Cowboys a proven commodity. Even if both players are moving in opposite directions, Lawrence offers leadership and track record of recent success that’s difficult to match.
Lawrence will be 33 when the 2025 season begins so there is risk with a new deal, but considering everything discussed, it makes sense as to why the Cowboys are interested in bringing the veteran back, even if Father Time is undefeated.