Despite finding some excellent bargains in free agency over the last few weeks, the Cowboys biggest failure thus far has been when it comes to spending big money. In particular, spending big money on their own talented defensive end, DeMarcus Lawrence.
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report wrote a piece this week identifying each NFL team’s biggest red flag heading into April, naming avoiding a “DeMarcus Disaster” as the Cowboys’ submission to the list. And while most fans seem confident that a deal will get done soon and everything will be fine, Gary has a good point here.
Stephen Jones described the Cowboys as being at an “impasse” with Lawrence, though he remains optimistic a deal will get done eventually. Optimism is great, but there’s no question this impasse should bring about some worry within the Cowboys fanbase.
The longer this drags on, the worse it is for both the Cowboys and Lawrence. If Lawrence really is willing to delay his surgery to the point of missing games, that wouldn’t go over well for either side. The Cowboys need Lawrence more than he needs the Cowboys, though, which gives him most of the leverage in these negotiations.
If the Cowboys don’t give DeMarcus Lawrence his money, some other team will, and they’ll do it quickly. Plus, as each free agent edge rusher gets paid around the league, Lawrence’s price-tag only gets steeper for a Cowboys team which is looking to penny-pinch in anyway they can.
It’s been said a thousand times already, but the Cowboys need to avoid this turning into a real holdout situation any way they can.
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I have to agree with you. Dallas needs to get this deal done and I’m not as optimistic as others seem to be. I have a feeling it has more to do with guaranteed money than just the extra 2 million per year he wants. I do wish they would get it done, though.
If he doesn’t get the needed surgery done soon, I think the Cowboys will rescind the franchise offer and see just how much someone else pays him. It makes no sense to pay him $20+ million to watch him spend the season on IR. He also has a concerning injury history.
Brian
Please provide us the teams that would make D.Law the highest paid DE in the league. I would say 0. When the JJ came up to his asking price of $20M, his agent then said it is now $22.5M. I would respond with OK then offer $17.5M.
In either case he is not worth the problem. Facts: needed surgery last 2 years, “moved the goal posts” in negotiations, declining sacks 14.5 vs 10.5, had 3 surgeries, including 2 for back- which is kinda important for DE, needs 4th surgery, declining production in last quarter of season and playoffs, already suspended 4 games. What would you pay if it was your $ and cap to manage? Would you be ok with 6-8 sacks next year as long as “he is still good against the run”
Just askin… Just sayin…
Also since elindio brought the point, he should have had surgery right after season. First he will not pass any medical evaluation for any team, why should Cowboy’s bet on the outcome of surgery. Just have feeling that it could be worse or longer heal time both work against the team. No team will sign if he can not pass physical. Tried to paint Cowboys into corner, instead he self painted. Rescind tag, since he won’t sign and grab 3rd rounder next year. Love it when good players think they are elite and hold all the cards. The cards can be built and also fall down.
IMO DLaw should fire his agent because he isn’t top 3 money at all and I agree with 1969 Bird in the fact that 17.5 is the offer now and if you are serious about not signing then hold out unpaid and don’t play a year and see what u get next year! I’ve always been a Tank fan and appreciate his play and will continue if he stays, but enough is enough you either want to play for your team and take top 5 money or allow 2mil a yr or 10 mil guaranteed money keep you from playing and being a leader on and OFF the field! I get it EVERYONE wants to get paid! When is 100 mil not good enough for you!!