The Cowboys made an offer defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence recently, team executive Stephen Jones says (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Todd Archer). Jones is hopeful that the two sides will reach a long-term accord before March 5, the deadline for teams to use the franchise tag. The Cowboys will start extension talks in earnest with agent David Canter later this week at the combine in Indianapolis. 
“It’s the last day you’ve got to tag him but at the end of the day we know it’s not over if it doesn’t get done by then,” Jones said. “I hate to put deadlines on anything. Would we like to get it done? I’d like to have it done yesterday. We’ve just got to continue to work.”
Lawrence has said that he will not cooperate with a second consecutive franchise tag, so the Cowboys are holding off on using the placeholder. The $20.5MM would keep him from the open market, but it would also mean that Lawrence will be a no-show for the offseason program and training camp. Beyond that, a holdout could extend into the regular season.
In 2017, Lawrence recorded 14.5 sacks, 58 total tackles, and four forced fumbles. Instead of doing a long-term deal last year, the Cowboys asked him to prove himself once more. He answered with 10.5 sacks, 39 quarterback pressures, and a second consecutive Pro Bowl nod, so this time the asking price is even higher.
Lawrence’s targeted deal is unclear, but he may be looking to match or top the contracts of Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack. Those recent pacts topped the $22MM mark in average annual value.
Of the Top-15 paid edge rushers. 1 team had a non-rookie deal QB and made the playoffs. Chargers.
5 years in the NFL, 34 sacks. This dude isn’t worth 20M per.
He is when 24.5 of those sacks were in just the last 2 years, and that’s coming from an Eagles fan
25 the last 2 seasons, you’re right. However his first 3 seasons 9 sacks, a bad back, (somewhere around) 17 missed games, and a PED suspension. If (like they say)your best ability in the NFL is availability I’d be hesitant to give this guy 5yrs 100M. I’d like to see him remain a Cowboy but I’m hoping there’s some games played incentives in his next contract.
You are a year late and that is what the franchise tag was for last year. He proved he is a top 5 edge rusher in football and 2017 wasn’t a fluke. He is a huge part of that defense and will get what he deserves.
Ziggy, you’re right. DLaw has more than proved himself these last 2 years. Agreeing with an Eagles fan: is it a full moon?
Nope
Not in the same class as Donald and Mack. No one is…other than a healthy J.J. Watt
I hate how these athletes say they are not going to play when they could receive $20.5 million for one year……. that’s just crazy. True they could get hurt but if I made that much in a year I could live off of it my entire life.