How much will the Dallas Cowboys pay DeMarcus Lawrence?

Only two players since 2001 have led the league in sacks in their age 30 or older season: Former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (twice) and former Indianapolis Colts defensive end Robert Mathis. For these reasons, I would be cautious if I were the Cowboys with anything longer than a four-year term.

Lawrence is probably viewing Mack and Donald as table setters with hopes of reaching and even beating their deals. For a player, they need to maximize their earnings during a short and finite time. However, contracts are a zero sum game for NFL teams since what they pay one player debits from their salary cap account and cannot be paid to another player.

My take – I can appreciate any player wanting to maximize their earnings but I would also ask a player receiving a multi-year contract north of $15 million a year if they are diminishing some of their career aspirations like winning the Super Bowl over others. Is there a practical difference between $15 million and $18 million on a multi-year contract?

I don’t imagine a player will need the extra $3 million to live comfortably but the $3 million makes a difference to the team. For instance, the Cowboys signed linebacker Joe Thomas and center Joe Looney for a combined $2.9 million APY. These are the type of players that help a team win a championship.

The Philadelphia Eagles lost their starting quarterback, left offensive tackle, 3rd down running back, special teams ace and place kicker to Injured Reserve but found a way to win the Super Bowl. How would that have been possible without quality depth?

DeMarcus Lawrence is on a path to earn a large contract. The Dallas Cowboys would not be viewed crazy if they paid him a six-year, $20 million average per year. But should they? I hope Lawrence and the Cowboys can agree on a contract in the vicinity of four-years and an $18 million APY. What do you think? Let me know in the comment section below.