Micah Parsons‘ pending mega-extension is a key talking point related to the Cowboys’ offseason. The team has other pressing matters in the front seven, though, as free agency approaches.
DeMarcus Lawrence has spent his entire career with Dallas, including the past four as Parsons’ running mate along the edge. The four-time Pro Bowler is on track to reach the open market, and a departure would allow the Cowboys to transition to a younger core in the pass-rush department. Lawrence is aware he could explore other opportunities as a free agent, but his preference would be to remain in place.
“The ball is in their court. I’m not only going to play in Dallas,” the 11-year veteran said (via Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). “I’m going to have other options, but I’d like to stay here. It would be a glorious thing. My family is here. I love it here. The fans love me here.”
Lawrence played on the franchise tag in 2018, and was tagged again the following year before a five-year deal was worked out. A three-year pact signed in 2022 ensured the former second-rounder would continue with the Cowboys, and Lawrence did not miss a game over the first two campaigns of that stretch. In 2024, though, he was limited to only four contests; that missed time could hinder his market value.
At a minimum, Lawrence’s comments confirm he intends to continue his career in 2025. Entering his age-33 season, the Cowboys were recently reported to be waiting to see how he would proceed. It will be interesting to see if Dallas matches the Boise State product’s desire to work out another new pact. In addition to Parsons (who could soon become the league’s highest-paid defender), the Cowboys’ depth chart along the edge includes recent draftees Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland.
Stephen Jones has made it clear talks on a deal preventing defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa from reaching free agency. Talks are ongoing, and reaching agreement on a pact would give the Cowboys clarity along the D-line before the start of the new league year. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes progress has been made recently, and the DT market would lose arguably its most impactful member in the event talks reached the finish line shortly.
Failing that, Fowler’s colleague Dan Graziano notes the franchise tag could come into play. Using the tag in 2025 would result in a one-year guarantee of $25.12MM in Odighizuwa’s case – a massive raise compared to his rookie deal. The top of the position’s market has surged in recent years, and at the age of 26 the former third-rounder will be in position to command a lucrative long-term deal with Dallas or an outside suitor. Using the tag (a decision which must be made by Tuesday afternoon) would give the Cowboys until mid-July to negotiate a multi-year Odighizuwa pact. Fowler’s latest update on the situation confirms the Cowboys are indeed prepared to use the tag in this case.
Dallas’ list of in-house priorities also includes the likes of slot corner Jourdan Lewis and running back Rico Dowdle. As the team weighs its options on those fronts, Lawrence and Odighizuwa will remain names to watch closely over the coming days.