Two-time Pro Bowler DeMarcus Lawrence rejects pay cut request from Cowboys

The relationship between the Dallas Cowboys and DeMarcus Lawrence is looking very much in doubt as the Dallas Morning News reported the star defensive end rejected the team's request for him to take a pay cut in 2022.

Lawrence, 29, is set to make roughly $19 million next season and does not become an unrestricted free agent until 2024, per Spotrac. As CBS Sports explained, Dallas could restructure his contract in order to free up cap space. However, a hard "no" from Lawrence could force them to cut him before the June 1 deadline, and the return wouldn't free up much space for when free agency opens up on March 14.

The veteran pass-rusher only played seven games in 2021, but still logged three sacks, 21 combined tackles and an interception returned for a touchdown. 

Lawrence isn't the only Cowboy whose future is now uncertain as Dallas tries to cut costs to get under the salary cap this offseason. The team also proposed a pay cut for Amari Cooper, which the star wide receiver also rejected. Cooper is set to make $20 million in the third season of his five-year, $100 million contract.

All of this is just adding to the ongoing drama surrounding the Cowboys this offseason. Dallas currently sits $21 million over the salary cap and desperately needs to free up space if they are going to bolster their roster in free agency. In addition to needing the extra capital to add new players, the team also continues to deal with ongoing scrutiny over whether head coach Mike McCarthy will get fired, and with a new unflattering spotlight brought on by reports the team paid settlements to cheerleaders after a voyeurism incident in 2015.