Cowboys could part ways with star defensive player?

The Dallas Cowboys have some difficult decisions to make in order to get under the salary cap this offseason. One decision could see them part ways with one of their most impactful defensive players.

The Cowboys asked defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence to take a pay cut, but Lawrence refused, according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. That could spell the end of Lawrence’s time in Dallas, as a similar scenario led to DeMarcus Ware’s release in 2014.

Lawrence is owed $19 million next season, and he remains a productive member of the defensive line. However, his sack totals have fallen over the past several seasons, and he was limited by injuries to three sacks in seven games in 2021.

Lawrence has double-digit sack potential, but the Cowboys are in a cap mess that will see another high-profile player released. He would likely be paid well in free agency if Dallas does pull the trigger.

Photo: Sep 19, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports