The Dallas Cowboys have work to do if they want to retain star defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, but they appear to be ready to do it.
According to Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Star-Telegram, the Cowboys likely won’t use the franchise tag on Lawrence at this point, preferring instead to try to negotiate a long-term contract extension. The deadline to use the franchise tag is March 5, and the Cowboys will do it if they must.
The Cowboys will reportedly keep Lawrence “at all cost,” but a second consecutive franchise tag would make him unhappy and risk him skipping offseason activities and potentially even regular season games.
Lawrence had big demands of Dallas last season in talks over a long-term deal. After a second straight season with double-digit sacks, it’s unlikely that price has gone down.
