With the NFL trade deadline fast approaching, the Dallas Cowboys remain undecided on their direction.
Following a lackluster offseason and a sluggish start to the 2024 season, the Cowboys are facing challenges to secure a playoff spot in the NFC. Complicating matters, Dallas is financially restricted due to Dak Prescott’s massive contract extension and the looming megadeal for star defender Micah Parsons.
Currently sitting at 3-4, the Cowboys are still in the race, but might consider offloading a few players with upcoming free agency. Among those potentially on the block is a four-time Pro Bowler, a move few would have foreseen before the season.
DeMarcus Lawrence, a Cowboy for 11 seasons, is in the final year of his three-year, $40 million deal. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently suggested in a “bold prediction” that Dallas may explore trading Lawrence before the deadline.
“The prediction here is that the Cowboys realize they’re nearing a rebuild—head coach Mike McCarthy is without an extension beyond this season—and opt to gather draft assets at the deadline,” Knox commented.
He continued, “Expect Dallas to consider trading impending 2025 free agents like… edge-rusher DeMarcus Lawrence… in the coming days.”
This season, Lawrence has only played in four games due to injuries but has recorded three sacks and forced a fumble. A Pro Bowler in 2022 and 2023, he remains an elite player when healthy, likely drawing interest from other teams.
Securing a mid-round draft pick in exchange for Lawrence may be Dallas’ wisest move. Now, it’s up to them to field offers and see what value the market provides.