[UPDATE – 11:53 am CST: ESPN’s Todd Archer reports that DeMarcus Lawrence is coming off the PUP list today. He is expected to participate in individual drills.]
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The Dallas Cowboys just received a bit of good news to start the week. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, All-Pro Defensive End DeMarcus Lawrence will soon be activated off the PUP list.
In April, the Cowboys top pass rusher was in the midst of potentially problematic contract negotiations with the front office, so much so that Lawrence would use holding off surgery on his torn labrum as leverage in the standoff. Luckily cooler heads prevailed and Lawrence signed a 5-year 105 million dollar deal with 65 million in guaranteed money and an average annual salary of 21 million per year.
When you ink a contract that not only makes you the highest-paid player in Cowboys history but also pays out the most guaranteed money in the first year for a non-quarterback there’s naturally a moment to reflect and be humble, Lawrence was no different.
“It’s just humbling to be in this position, and thank God for everything he has put me through,” Lawrence said. “Going through the back surgeries and stuff, I thought my career was over. Before I even made a couple of sacks, I thought I would never see this day. I am blessed just to be here, let alone just taking it all in. It’s a lot.”
Just days after signing his record-setting deal Lawrence had successful surgery to repair his torn left labrum. With a recovery time of 3-4 months, he would be placed on the PUP list in late July. However, it didn’t ruin his enthusiasm about being ready for the season opener.
“The mobility and my strength is coming back naturally,” Lawrence said. “I’m working every day. I’m able to do things. I’m just still limited. Just taking my time. I’ve got time still.”
Being ready for the Cowboys opener against the New York Giants isn’t the only goal Lawrence has in the near future. He also has his eyes on breaking Hall Of Famer Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record. “My goal is to be the best that’s ever played this game,” Lawrence said at SportsCon 2019 in Dallas last month. “For sure, I want to beat that sack record, make it my own, so he can talk about beating my record. I’m going to just wait until I get to the season and then worry about sacks.”
Lawrence has his long term financial security, he’s had successful shoulder surgery and now he’s on pace to be ready for the season opener. His 25 sacks over the last two seasons have put him in the conversation with All-Pro’s Von Miller, Khalil Mack, and Aaron Donald about who is the NFL’s top pass rusher. Barring a setback in the next few weeks, the Cowboys will have their leader on the defensive front for the start of the 2019 season.
