Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Demarcus Lawrence wants to cash in after his huge 2017 season.
Lawrence collected 14.5 sacks last season and got hit with the franchise tag for 2018, guaranteeing him $17.1 million next season. However, in talks for a long-term deal, the 26-year-old wants to be compensated in the same league as the game’s best pass rushers.
According to Calvin Watkins of the Athletic, Lawrence wants a five-year deal, and he wants more total money than the $72 million extension Danielle Hunter recently signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Lawrence, who must sign a long-term deal by July 16 in order to avoid the tag, is also waiting to see what happens to the contract situations of Oakland’s Khalil Mack, Los Angeles’s Aaron Donald, and Houston’s Jadeveon Clowney.
Lawrence is a fiery character who clearly believes in himself. It leaves the Cowboys with a difficult decision to make, though. Lawrence has a history of back issues and only one truly elite season. If they think he can stay healthy and put up more seasons like 2017, he’s worth the investment, but that’s not a no-brainer.
