The Dallas Cowboys have not exactly made a splash in the past few days, as the tampering period of free agency opened on Monday, followed by the actual start of free agency on Wednesday afternoon.
Generally, criticism has come due to the Cowboys’ reluctance to add high-end fresh blood to the team.
However, Dallas’ free agency woes continue on Wednesday as reports emerged that the Seattle Seahawks have signed DeMarcus Lawrence; the Cowboys’ longest tenured player after the retirement of guard, Zack Martin; to a three year deal – per Tom Pelissero.
Lawrence reunites with Seahawks defensive coordinator, Aden Durde, who was once the defensive line coach in Dallas.
Although $14 million/year is a significant amount of money to dish out to a pass rusher going into his age-33 season, this represents Dallas once again failing to show their competitive edge on the open market.
The team has, in fairness, stepped its game up on Wednesday, at the start of the new league, year, trading for both corner, Kair Elam and linebacker, Kenneth Murray – utilizing their numerous compensatory picks in 2025, received due to free agent departures last offseason.
Where Does The Cowboys’ Pass Rush Stand?
Although DeMarcus Lawrence was a starter on the Cowboys’ defensive line, his productivity had begun to wane over the past few seasons.
In fact, since signing a monster (at the time) 5 year, $105 million contract in March 2019, the former second round pick has not generated more than six sacks in a season for the Cowboys – despite four of those seasons being uninterrupted by injury.
Dallas will probably slot in the talented Sam Williams at defensive end, who is coming off a season-ending ACL tear in August 2024, opposite Micah Parsons, in a rotation that also includes now-second year rookie, Marshawn Kneeland.
Both Kneeland and Williams have had their moments. But one – or both – will need to up their game if they are to not be a weak point on what is an otherwise potent Cowboys starting d-line of Parsons, Osa Odighizuwa – who just re-signed on a long term deal – and former first round talent, Mazi Smith.
The Cowboys Have Partially Addressed The Unit In Free Agency
New free agency additions, Payton Turner and Solomon Thomas will add roster depth at defensive end and tackle respectively, but neither is likely to have a considerable impact on the overall dynamics of the defensive line play this coming season.
Unless, of course, Thomas can finally push through and find a way to become the sort destructive player whose talent saw him get drafted #3 overall back in 2017.
There are still other viable veteran options on the market, including Za’Darius Smith, Azeez Ojulari and Dante Fowler Jr., but unless Dallas can figure out a way to get a true top-end edge rusher opposite Micah Parsons, the organization would likely prefer to develop their talented up-and-comers.
