The Dallas Cowboys have yet again begun free agency quietly. As it stands right now, the only move the Cowboys have made is signing former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams to a one-year deal. Although star pass rusher Micah Parsons has been adamant about the Cowboys' need to add players, Jerry Jones's philosophy for the Cowboys has always been to draft and develop players.
A prime example of this philosophy is DeMarcus Lawrence was drafted in 2014, making him one of the longest-tenured Cowboys, and he is still active heading into this offseason. However, Lawrence is currently a free agent, and it doesn't sound like negotiations between the two sides are going well.
Cowboys insider Ed Werner reported that " Lawrence is open to leaving Dallas" and believes there is a strong chance he signs elsewhere ( h/t JP Finlay). Even at 32 years--old, losing Lawrence would hurt the Cowboys' defensive line.
More from @WerderEdNFL on DeMarcus Lawrence's free agency: "I think there's a high potential for him to sign with another team...Lawrence is open to the idea of leaving...He will be deliberate and consider all the factors."
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 12, 2025
New Report Suggests DeMarcus Lawrence Leaves Dallas
Lawrence spent the majority of the 2024 season out due to a foot injury he suffered in Week 4. Prior to his injury, the 32-year-old recorded 14 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks and one forced fumble.
While the surface-level stats are solid, the advanced stats show a decline in play. According to PFF, Lawrence recorded nine pressures, two QB hits and three QB hurries in four games. Although the pressures seem like a decent number, they came across only two games: Week 1(7) and Week 4 (2).
Those performances netted Lawrence a pass rush grade of 53.9 and a run defense grade of 62.4. That's not great, but the injury certainly got in the way of seeing if there was a true decline in his play. As a result, the Cowboys' failure to reach an agreement with Lawrence to this point makes sense.
Nevertheless, it sure will be strange if Lawrence is no longer a Cowboy come the start of the 2025 season.