Dallas never had any intention of letting their top pass rusher hit the open market. After not being able to finalize a long-term deal at this time, the Cowboys will apply the franchise tag to DeMarcus Lawrence.
#Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence was officially franchise tagged, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2018
The tag will come with a $17.1 million cost, but Stephen Jones and company have every intention of striking a multiyear deal before the July 16th deadline. While a long-term contract could lessen the cap hit for 2018, don’t look for Lawrence to be taking any discounts. He shares an agent with New York Giants’ pass rusher Olivier Vernon who recently cashed in on a five year $85 million blockbuster deal. I would expect Lawrence to demand at least that and probably more.
However, as of Monday afternoon, even Lawrence himself was not aware of anything being finalized yet regarding the franchise tag.
Oh wow. Glad the media knows. I still haven't heard anything haha. Either way, proud to be part of the @dallascowboys organization! Let's go chase #6 🏆!! #Tagged https://t.co/lteWKNNmtZ
— DeMarcus Lawrence (@TankLawrence) March 5, 2018
That doesn’t mean he isn’t a fan of the payday though.
https://twitter.com/TankLawrence/status/970767039529861121
Finalizing a deal with their leading sack man isn’t the front office’s only order of business along the defensive line. They also have a decision to make regarding David Irving. Irving is a restricted free agent and the team is still deciding on whether to place a first or second round tender on him.
Source: Cowboys haven't determined whether to place a first or second round tender on DT David Irving. That conversation continues. First round tender is $4.3 million. Second round tender is $3 million and increases chances that another team could swing in with an offer sheet.
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) March 5, 2018
The next few days should be interesting, to say the least. Keep it locked to Full Press Coverage for all the latest news.
Latest Cowboys News:
- Why Cowboys’ Drew Pearson Never Gave Up on Canton After Waiting Three Decades
- Eagles Head to Dallas with Playoff Hopes Alive
- Washington, Alex Smith Meshing at the Right Time
- NFL Thanksgiving NFL Odds & Trends: Texans, Cowboys Perched as Slim Favorites
- Dallas Prepares for Washington
