As expected, the Dallas Cowboys have decided to place the franchise tag on star defensive end Demarcus Lawrence after the two sides failed to come to terms on a long-term extension.
Source: The #Cowboys are franchise tagging star pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2019
Lawrence, 26, has been among the most-consistent pass rushers over the past two seasons — tallying a combined 49 quarterback hits and 25 sacks during that span.
The two-time Pro Bowler is not expected to sign the tag. This means he will ultimately be a holdout from Cowboys offseason activities until either the two sides come to a long-term deal or the deadline for said deal passes in July.
Lawrence’s franchise tag value is $17.12 million. Though, he’s looking at closer to $20 million on a long-term deal. The hope here is that both sides can get together to make it happen in the not-so-distant future.