New DeMarcus Lawrence deal should open the floodgates

Now that the Dallas Cowboys and DeMarcus Lawrence have reportedly agreed on a new contract extension, we should see more players getting deals done.

The Dallas Cowboys and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence have been at an impasse in recent weeks when it comes to the premier pass rusher’s new contract extension. In the final year of his rookie deal, Lawrence exploded to record 14.5 sacks in 2017.

In response, the Cowboys used the franchise tag to pay Lawrence over $17 million to play for one more season. And the former second-rounder was more than happy to prove he was worth a long-term extension. This past season, Lawrence posted double-digit sacks again, registering 10.5 and was undoubtedly one of the top defenders in the league.

Expecting a major payday, the talks between Lawrence’s representatives and the Cowboys’ front office stalled, causing Dallas to use their franchise tag on him for the second-straight year as a stop-gap measure to give both sides more time to negotiate. But it appears the wait is finally over.

According to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the Cowboys and Lawrence have agreed to terms on a new five-year extension. NFL Network’s Jane Slater reports that the new deal is for five years at $105 million with a whopping $65 million guaranteed. Lawrence will receive more money in cash in his first season than any other player in NFL history outside of quarterbacks.

https://twitter.com/SlaterNFL/status/1114308604369285120

With Lawrence’s new contract soon to be complete, the Cowboys are expected to turn their attention to several other players looking for new deals or extensions. That list includes players like quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, cornerback Byron Jones and wide receiver Amari Cooper.

Just last week, the Dallas Cowboys traded a 2020 sixth-round selection to the Miami Dolphins for Robert Quinn. The 28-year old veteran pass rusher figures to bookend the Dallas defensive line along with DeMarcus Lawrence, making them one of the top defensive end duos in the NFL.