Contract Talks Between Cowboys, DE DeMarcus Lawrence At Impasse

Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones said Tuesday that they’re currently at an impasse in contract talks with franchise DE Demarcus Lawrence. 

“Historically, we’ve been able to sign our players,” Jones said, via David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. “We’ll see. It’s a negotiation. Those things can take time. At the same time, we’re motivated to get something done and hopefully at some point we’ll get some momentum going.

“Right now, the best way to describe it is we’re at an impasse. We’re apart but certainly optimistic.”

Reports have said that Lawrence is likely to hold off on undergoing shoulder surgery until later on the in the year if there’s no extension in place. 

Tom Pelissero reported previously that Lawrence made it clear to the Cowboys last year that he would not sign a second franchise tender and feels he’s earned a long-term extension from the Cowboys.

Mike Garafolo mentioned that Lawrence is looking for $20 million or more per year as part of a long-term extension.

The franchise tag will cost Dallas $20.5 million fully guaranteed for the 2019 season. Dallas now has until July to negotiate a long-term extension with Lawrence.

Lawrence, 26, is a former second-round pick by the Cowboys in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Boise State. He finished a four-year rookie contract before the Cowboys used their franchise tag on him several months ago.

In 2018, Lawrence appeared in all 16 games for the Cowboys and recorded 64 tackles, 10.5 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles, a recovery and a pass defense. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 9 overall edge defender out of 103 qualifying players.