David Moore reports that the Cowboys won’t place their franchise tag on DE DeMarcus Lawrence on Tuesday once the window to tag players officially opens.
However, they will do so before the March 6 deadline with the understanding that the goal is to get a long-term extension in place before the July 16 deadline.
Lawrence’s agent, David Canter, said a few weeks ago that he expects “multiple conversations” to happen over the next month regarding a contract extension for his client.
“I would imagine that they’re probably not just letting us get to free agency and leave Dallas,” said Canter, via Jenna Laine of ESPN. “It’s really up to them to want to do a deal that’s in line with what the market is for a young, ascending, elite franchise-caliber defensive end. Whatever that number ends up being remains to be seen. But I do imagine and believe that we’ll have multiple conversations over the next month or so. I think it’s early right now.”
Lawrence added that he is happy to be a priority for the Cowboys and that he is not worried about a deal getting done.
“It’s great for them to prioritize me as being a Cowboy,” said Lawrence. “I’m not worried about it. I’m gonna let my agent worry about that part. … I believe and trust in him 100 percent to get the job done.”
Cowboys executive Stephen Jones said previously that the team’s “first goal” with Lawrence is to sign him to a long-term contract extension, so it will be interesting to see how quickly negotiations start up. (NFLTR)
The franchise tag will cost the Cowboys around $17.5 million fully guaranteed for the 2018 season. Dallas should have around $20 million or so of cap room to work with this offseason, so this move would take a large portion of their available cap space.
Lawrence, 25, is a former second-round pick by the Cowboys in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Boise State. He just finished a four-year rookie contract and is set to enter the open market as an unrestricted free agent.
In 2017, Lawrence appeared in all 16 games and recorded 58 total tackles, 15 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one pass defense. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 3 overall edge defender out of 106 qualifying players.
We have him featured in our Top 100 – 2018 NFL Free Agents list.
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