The Dallas Cowboys are facing a difficult situation as their game days are now filled with existential dread. While many NFL teams look forward to the offseason with excitement over high draft picks, Cowboys fans have little reason for optimism under Jerry Jones’ ownership. The roster remains top-heavy, and the Cowboys have done little to address key positions, particularly following departures in free agency. This lack of proactive moves leaves fans hoping the Joneses will finally realize that a more balanced approach is needed to stay competitive.
Cowboys fans are now left wondering whether key players like Zack Martin will return. Unfortunately, Martin is expected to retire soon, as his body seems to be giving out on him. Struggling with injuries to both ankles, Martin is no longer the player he once was, and his departure will leave a significant void on the offensive line. While his exit would be a blow to the team, Cowboys fans recently received some better news regarding another veteran.
Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, currently recovering from a foot injury that has kept him on injured reserve since Week 4, revealed that he intends to continue playing in 2025. Although Lawrence hasn’t yet returned to action and it remains unclear when he might be ready, his decision to play another season is a major positive for the Cowboys. His leadership and presence on the field have been key to the defense, and the front office must now make a crucial decision regarding his future with the team.
Re-signing Lawrence for another year should be a no-brainer for Dallas. While he will turn 33 in April, Lawrence remains one of the league’s best run defenders. Though his limited playing time in 2024 makes it difficult to assess his performance, his showing last season was stellar. He posted an impressive run-defense grade of 92.2, the second-highest among edge defenders, and had 27 stops with a 11.4% run-stop rate according to Pro Football Focus. His ability to defend the run would complement the play of rising star Micah Parsons.
That being said, re-signing Lawrence shouldn’t stop the Cowboys from further improving their pass rush. The team could still look to the draft for fresh talent, with several promising edge-rushers potentially available in the first round, including Abdul Carter from Penn State, Nic Scourton from Texas A&M, and James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee. The Cowboys have struggled to replicate the pass-rush production left behind by Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, so adding another pass rusher should remain a priority.
In addition to his on-field skills, Lawrence’s leadership and experience make him an invaluable asset to the team, particularly with a potential coaching change on the horizon. His veteran presence in the locker room would be crucial for guiding younger players and maintaining a strong defensive unit. Re-signing Lawrence should be one of the easiest decisions the Cowboys make this offseason, and it could have a positive ripple effect on their future success.
