DeMarcus Lawrence Opens Up About His Potential Return to the Dallas Cowboys
FORT WORTHD
Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence made it clear towards the end of the 2024 season that he plans to play in 2025, and he hopes to do so with the only NFL team he’s ever known.
“What’s changed?” he asked on Thursday afternoon.
Other than nearly the entire coaching staff…
At a promotional event at H-E-B in far north Fort Worth on Thursday, Lawrence signed autographs and took photos with a long line of dedicated Cowboys fans. The crowd’s excitement suggested the team had just won its eighth straight Super Bowl.
The 11-year veteran shared: “My family is here. I love it here. The fans love me here.”
Earlier in the day, his agent, David Canter, spoke to 105.3 The Fan from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, revealing: “Good news. Lawrence is 100% healthy, but the bad news is he’s a free agent, so for Cowboys fans who love him, there’s a chance he could leave.”
The Cowboys were scheduled to meet with Canter on Friday in Indianapolis.
“The ball is in their court. I’m not just going to play in Dallas,” Lawrence stated. “I’ll have other options, but I’d like to stay here. It would be a glorious thing.”
Lawrence’s tone was balanced and optimistic, not adversarial or upset. With years of experience, he understands the business side of football. He’ll play again, and he hopes it will be with the Cowboys. If not, he’ll move on, knowing that football will continue.
Since being drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Lawrence has been a steady presence on the team.
After playing in all 17 games in both 2022 and 2023, Lawrence’s 2024 season was cut short due to a foot injury sustained in Week 4. While he could have returned late in the season, both parties agreed there was no point since the team was out of playoff contention.
In limited action, he recorded 14 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble. When on the field, he performed like the player fans know. His absence was a significant factor in the defense’s struggles during the season.
While he can’t fix everything, his impact is clear when he’s absent.
When healthy, Lawrence has been an excellent run defender and a reliable edge rusher. He ranks 10th in Cowboys history with 61.5 career sacks.
He’s played under several defensive coordinators and has consistently adapted. He’s bounced back from surgeries and has aged well at his position.
Lawrence has always been a model teammate, taking pay cuts and representing the franchise with class.
The Cowboys face a dilemma regarding whether they can fit Lawrence’s contract while also working to re-sign defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. Odighizuwa is expected to command a significant contract if he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Another concern is Lawrence’s age, injury history, and future performance. He will turn 33 in April, an age when players are more prone to decline and injury.
To potentially replace Lawrence, the Cowboys selected Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 draft. Kneeland, who played 11 games last season, missed six weeks with a knee injury. Although he showed promise, he mostly looked like a rookie.
If the Cowboys can retain Lawrence, it would provide time for Kneeland to develop.
Lawrence prefers to stay with the Cowboys, but his future remains uncertain.