Should the Dallas Cowboys sign DeMarcus Lawrence to a long-term deal?

Should the Dallas Cowboys sign premier pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence to a long-term deal or keep him on the franchise tag instead?

After posting 14.5 sacks last season, tied for second-most in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys opted to use their franchise tag to retain defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence for 2018. They’ll do so at a cost of just over $17 million.

But there is also a chance the Cowboys can sign Lawrence to a long-term deal this month. Dallas has until July 16th to get a new contract signed or the 26-year old pass rusher will play on the franchise tag instead.

According to Calvin Watkins of The Athletic, Lawrence’s representatives and the Cowboys are expected to meet next week to discuss such a deal. But is Dallas better served allowing the fifth-year defensive end to prove last season’s career numbers were more than just a fluke?

Lawrence seems comfortable betting on himself this season. If he is able to pull off a similar performance, the former second-rounder should receive a massive payday. Just how big?

Following his fourth season with the Miami Dolphins, pass rusher Olivier Vernon inked a monster five-year, $85 million contract with the New York Giants. And Vernon was coming off a 7.5 sack season. Lawrence’s sack total from last year nearly doubled that!

So some may argue signing Lawrence long-term right now could end up saving the Cowboys some money since his payday will be based on one big season instead of possibly two. But Dallas knows how big a risk signing Lawrence actually is.

This is a player that missed half his rookie season due to injury. Lawrence also received a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy in 2016. Before his breakout performance last season, DeMarcus was a bust candidate after recording 11 total tackles and a single sack in nine games the year before.

Finally, the Cowboys must consider the fact Lawrence had offseason back surgery in both 2016 and 2017. That seems like two too many for an NFL player who just turned 26-year old in April.

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There are certainly pros and cons when it comes to the question of whether the Dallas Cowboys should sign DeMarcus Lawrence to a long-term deal or not. No matter the choice, there are significant risks. But if Lawrence can duplicate his performance from last season, taking that risk should be worth it.