Cowboys, DeMarcus Lawrence no longer at impasse; why Cowboys need to get deal done soon
The Dallas Cowboys and free agent defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence are no longer at a contract impasse.
The two sides are talking again and remain hopeful of agreeing to terms on a long-term contract extension.
But per multiple sources, nothing is close and nothing is imminent.
It is still good news, considering vice president Stephen Jones said two weeks ago that talks between the two sides were at a stalemate.
It is important for the Cowboys to get something done with Lawrence as soon as possible considering he has forgone surgery to repair a torn labrum until a contract has been signed.
Recovery from the surgery is expected to take three-to-four months, which puts his availability for the start of the season in jeopardy if a deal isn’t done before June, if not May.
If the goal is to get him signed then the goal is also to make sure is ready to go and available to be at his best for all of 2019.
The timetable is not as much of an issue for Lawrence, who is focused on getting a market value deal after playing on the franchise tag of $17.1 million in 2018 and proving himself with a second straight trip to the Pro Bowl.
The Cowboys placed a second franchise tag on Lawrence, guaranteeing him $20.5 million in 2019. Lawrence has until July 15 to sign the tag, though he has already stated he has no plans to do so.
The Cowboys initially offered Lawrence a multi-year deal averaging $17 million per season. They have since come up to $20 million.
Lawrence is seeking a deal close to the $23.5 million per season defensive end Khalil Mack got from the Chicago Bears.
This story was originally published April 5, 2019 at 4:09 PM.
