DeMarcus Lawrence has agreed to extend his deal with a voidable year for salary cap purposes, as Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets. In essence, Lawrence’s deal remains the same. But, in terms of cap flexibility, it’ll make a huge difference for Dallas.
[RELATED: Cowboys Rework Zack Martin’s Deal]
By converting $15MM of the defensive end’s base salary into a signing bonus, the Cowboys will open up $12MM in cap space this year. Lawrence was happy to help – he’s now locked in a giant chunk of cash, protecting him in the event of any game cancelations in 2020.
The seventh-year defender gave some thought to opting out of the season, but ultimately decided to play. That was a big relief from the Cowboys, who are counting on lots of pressure from their star pass rusher. The sack production wasn’t there in 2019, the first year of his five-year, $105MM mega-deal, but he registered a combined 25 sacks between the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Now another year removed from shoulder surgery, the Cowboys have every reason to believe that Lawrence can resume his Pro Bowl form.
After restructuring Lawrence’s deal – as well as Zack Martin‘s contract – the Cowboys could be ready to spend. Despite word that the Cowboys have cooled on Earl Thomas, it’s worth noting that the star safety remains available.
They want the extra money to carry over into next season Incase the cap goes down, so they can pay Dak
I agree with you.
Totally agree with you. Seeing as how Dak will be looking at something around $40M per year.
But all Dallas is doing is pushing the cap hits back where they’ll be in cap hell in years to come. Can’t keep making everyone the highest paid at their positions and it not come back to haunt you.
Cowboys don’t need to pay Dak 40+ to win. Go sign Cam or keep Dalton for next season.
I agree. Not a cowboy fan but based on their history and hearing what both Stephen and Jerry Jones keep saying about Dak I can see them easily paying him $40M+. Especially if they make the playoffs this year. I think he’s overrated and was put into an ideal situation right off the bat to succeed. And frankly he hasn’t done anything more with the team then any other average QB would have done.
I hope that even the cowboys are smart enough to realize Dak is not worth 40+ per yr. I love Dak but let’s be real he’s probably worth 35 per yr max.
Don’t believe that Cam or Dalton aren’t considered above average QBs? The entire league wasn’t willing to pay either of them more than minimal $. Prescott > Cam or Dalton. Much >.