The most surprising transaction for the Dallas Cowboys in the first week of free agency was DeMarcus Lawrence's departure. The 11-year veteran who had spent his entire career in Dallas signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks.
While it's hard to blame the Cowboys front office for not matching that offer for the 32-year-old defender, parting ways with a team leader and one of the most important players in the organization is always difficult.
It is also equally hard for the players themselves. Lawrence took to social media to share an emotional message for the fans.
DeMarcus Lawrence Posts Emotional Goodbye Note for Cowboys Fans
The star defensive end voiced his appreciation for every fan, player, and member of the coaching staff. He called playing for the Cowboys an honor and privilege before adding that this is not the end for him as a Dallas Cowboy or a North Texas resident. The part that is noteworthy for Cowboys fans, however, is when he revealed that he didn't want to leave Dallas.
"I never truly believed that the day would come when I would go and sign with another team. We had always hoped that my family and I would get to finish our careers as Cowboys. Sadly it just wasn't meant to be. "DeMarcus Lawrence via Instagram
This suggests that he was open to staying in Dallas, but things didn't work out for one reason or another. The financial aspect obviously comes to mind, but his public feud with Micah Parsons over the last few days also raises questions about other potential reasons. The fact that two of the best players on the team who played on the same defensive line for four years were going at each other online immediately after one's departure is not a good sign for how things were in the locker room.
Most Cowboys fans are grateful for what Lawrence has done for the franchise during his years and wish him well in his next chapter in Seattle. Let's hope the Cowboys can turn things around both on and off the field after one of their longest-tenured players leaves.