It’s been a frustrating offseason for Dallas Cowboys fans, to say the least.
After staggering to a 7-10 season where they missed the playoffs entirely, Dallas fired Mike McCarthy only to promote offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach in what many consider an underwhelming move.
According to OverTheCap.com, the Cowboys are sitting on over $53 million in cap space, yet their only significant investment has been a four-year, $80 million extension to defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa.
They’ve made minor moves elsewhere – signing wide receiver/return specialist KaVontae Turpin to a reported three-year, $18 million deal and trading for cornerback Kaiir Elam, a former first-round draft pick, from the Buffalo Bills.
Meanwhile, owner Jerry Jones has yet to secure All-Pro Micah Parsons with an extension as his market value continues to climb, and the roster adjustments so far have lacked the impact needed for a genuine turnaround.
Now, a four-time Pro Bowler is exiting Dallas after 11 seasons.
Defensive stalwart leaves Dallas Cowboys for Seattle Seahawks
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that four-time Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is departing the Cowboys and signing a three-year, $42 million deal ($18 million guaranteed) with the Seattle Seahawks.
Lawrence appeared in just four games during 2024 after a foot injury sidelined him for most of the season. Despite his limited action, he was remarkably productive, recording three sacks, four tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and one forced fumble in those appearances.
For Demarcus Lawrence, a 3-year, $42M max deal with $18M guaranteed, a contract negotiated by @davidcanter and @NessMugrabi of @aurasportsgroup. https://t.co/DTtr1ypLYz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2025
This represents a devastating loss for a Cowboys defense that already struggled mightily in 2024, ranking 28th in the league while surrendering 355.2 yards per game. The Seahawks, meanwhile, add a proven edge rusher to bolster their 14th-ranked defense.
Lawrence, a second-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, spent his entire 11-year career in Dallas, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defensive ends.
During his tenure with the Cowboys, Lawrence amassed 61.5 sacks, 97 tackles for loss, 126 quarterback hits, two interceptions, 20 pass breakups, and 21 forced fumbles.
