The biggest Cowboys (non) story of the offseason had a positive outcome Friday. DeMarcus “Tank” Lawrence took his place among the highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL.
This was always going to happen, but Jones and Son created some drama with talk of an “impasse” during the combine. Our local beat writers had called the Cowboys’ reported offer of $17 million a year insulting as they seemed to rally to the agent’s side. Of course, this often happens when the agent is providing reporters with helpful updates. There was never going to be a holdout like LeVeon Bell’s because the Cowboys weren’t in position to function without Lawrence.
He had them by the jewels, so to speak. And his ploy of delaying surgery on his labrum was an added touch. Lawrence may have become a bit impatient, but he was nowhere near Dez Bryant’s level of frustration that led up to the eve of training camp in 2015. There were rumblings that Jerry was concerned about Bryant’s off-field activities at the time. But Lawrence has never given the Cowboys anything to worry about, other than some back issues and one suspension. (Only having one suspension gives you “Boy Scout” status in this organization).
Lawrence has become the best player on one of the top defenses in the league. And that’s why he’ll make $65 million in guaranteed money, $31 million of which he’ll pocket in 2019. Lawrence’s agent tweeted “How bout dem Cowboys.” He then celebrated at Joe’s Stone Crab, as one might expect.
The Cowboys are stacked at defensive end with Lawrence, Robert Quinn, Tyrone “Slugger” Crawford and the oft-suspended Randy Gregory. If Taco Charlton can bounce back from a frustrating season, this will be the most talented pass rush in the NFC East. And Lawrence is the unquestioned leader.
If he’d committed to not having the surgery while the Cowboys plodded along in negotiations, this could’ve become ugly. But unlike the Packers and Steelers, the Cowboys know how to keep the peace. They have rarely let their most talented players leave in free agency. And when they do (DeMarco Murray), there’s generally a solid reason.
A 5-year, $105 million contract seems appropriate for such a huge impact player. And the fact so much of it’s guaranteed offers the security that’s not often bestowed upon NFL players. It killed Jerry that DeMarcus Ware won a Super Bowl with a different franchise, but releasing him made sense at the time. Lawrence was too young and talented for the Cowboys to ponder letting him walk. Lawrence handled the franchise tag beautifully last season, never showing an ounce of frustration. It bought Jones a little time to make sure Lawrence could shine in back-to-back seasons.
With apologies to Zeke Elliott and Zack Martin, Lawrence is the best player on the team. He needed to be paid like it.
Now, the writers can cozy up to Dak Prescott’s agent, since he’s the next player who’ll strike it rich. I expect this one to be much more complicated.
Until then, Lawrence will be picking up the checks.
