It seems apparent that long-time Cowboy veteran Demarcus Lawrence is open to leaving in free agency this offseason. The new league year is close so this means many free agents including Lawrence will be available to sign where they desire. However, Lawrence did mention he’s open to returning to Dallas but understands there are other options, emphasizing “I’m not only going to play in Dallas,” which could tease he will likely leave. Originally selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Butler and Boise State product spent his entirety with the Dallas Cowboys, including playing alongside Micah Parsons for four of his seasons.
Many should expect him to leave as the Cowboys don’t have the financial liberty to extend Lawrence. The team’s focus is to negotiate a contract with other defensive pieces like Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa. In 2018, Lawrence played on a franchise tag before landing a five-year deal along with a three-year pact that would keep him apart from the Cowboys until now. The veteran has been depleting as of last year so that could hinder his market value but that shouldn’t be an issue since he should receive plenty of interest from these five teams.
“The Ball is in their Court” – Long-Time Cowboy Veteran Demarcus Lawrence Open to Leaving in Free Agency
Possible Team Fits
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints should anticipate losing veteran Chase Young in the coming days. The team doesn’t have the financial landscape to afford a top-notch edge rusher to bolster their pass rush. However, Lawrence could meet their asking price as long it’s probably a one-year deal. Cameron Jordan is at risk of being cut due to salary cap concerns so Lawrence could be reliable piece on a budget.
Los Angeles Chargers
Even though the Chargers have money to burn, they should bring as much help for the defensive trenches on cheap deals. Last offseason, they weren’t able to afford the high-level talent but they’ve done a good job of constructing Teair Tart and Poona Ford as dependable linemen under one-year deals. The Chargers could do the same thing with Lawrence as long as they bring back either Tart or Ford to help provide that boost.
Washington Commanders
This is probably the most likely destination for Demarcus Lawrence as this means he will not only reunite with Dan Quinn but center Tyler Biadasz. Since Quinn left Dallas, he took a few former Cowboys like Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong to construct his defense. Quinn could do the same in this situation as he will more than likely bring out the best in Lawrence in Washington.
Detroit Lions
The Lions have their eyes set on Myles Garrett who is looking for a trade but they may resort to a cheap option. The team still has the best edge rusher in Aidan Hutchinson but they will likely lose Marcus Davenport in free agency. Lawrence won’t provide much of a difference since he’s depleting but he could sneak in on a one-year deal with the Lions and make a hidden impact on the opposite of Hutchinson.
Kansas City Chiefs
Defensive Tackle Chris Jones is one most dangerous elite pass rushers in the league. However, he still needs more depth help on the opposite ends of the defensive ball. Charles Omenihu is a free agent but they might excel better with Lawrence as he has more experience.
