Roster turnover is a prerequisite for every NFL team each offseason, but the Dallas Cowboys simply cannot have a repeat of last offseason when they allowed a mass exodus in free agency and deferred to the draft to offset those losses.
While it is too early to say that Dallas has learned from that, the early signs are encouraging.
Reporting from the NFL combine, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram is hearing the Cowboys are “optimistic” they can re-sign defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa as soon as this week before he reaches free agency next month.
Brian Schottenheimer confirmed the team is in talks with Odighizuwa and was audibly giddy when asked about the player, which is very telling. If the Odighizuwa deal gets done, other offseason dominos may start falling, like the future of DeMarcus Lawrence.
With retirement speculation mounting, Lawrence’s agent, David Canter, told 105.3 The Fan on Thursday that Lawrence will play next season. Canter peeled back the curtain even further about where Lawrence wants to play in 2025.
Cowboys star DeMarcus Lawrence makes free agency intentions crystal clear
“I’m optimistic in our conversations with the Cowboys that they’re very aware of what it will take to keep DeMarcus a Cowboy,” Canter told 105.3 The Fan, via Harris. “Honestly, that’s up to them. It’s not up to us. There’s a number. That number gets done and DeMarcus is wearing 90 and running back on the field.”
No need to read between the lines here, folks. Canter, who is obviously speaking on behalf of Lawrence, has clearly communicated to the front office what the 32-year-old free agent wants in a potential new contract.
Harris notes that Canter will meet with the Cowboys on Friday. Those conversations will center around Lawrence, but will also include impending free agents Jourdan Lewis, Rico Dowdle and Chauncey Golston, each of whom are represented by Canter.
There’s no telling what the number in question might be. Lawrence’s last contract paid him $13.3 million annually with $30 million fully guaranteed.
Entering his age-33 season and coming off a foot injury that ended his season after four games, Lawrence does not have significant leverage. A one- or two-year deal with an annual average value of $4 million might get the job done.
While Lawrence is no longer a three-down player, that he can double as a serviceable pass rusher and plus run defender boosts his value. He is one year removed from being voted to the Pro Bowl after posting a 80.3 PFF pass-rush grade and 92.4 run-defense grade.
Re-signing Lawrence should not dissuade the front office from drafting an edge rusher or even bringing Carl Lawson back, but no question about it this team is better with Lawrence on it. As great as he is on the field, he’s equally important in the locker room.
