DeMarcus Lawrence era officially over in Dallas as star DE to join NFC rival

It’s an end of an era for the Dallas Cowboys and DeMarcus Lawrence.

Lawrence is signing with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. He’s getting a three-year, $42 million deal with $18 million guaranteed.

Lawrence turns 33 in April, so it’s possible he won’t see the end of his three-year deal with the team. The $18 million in guaranteed money suggests he is more likely to spend two seasons with the Seahawks. Either way, switching teams marks a major change for the veteran defensive end.

Lawrence was a second-round pick by the Cowboys way back in 2014 and had spent his entire career with the team until now. He’s had 450 tackles and 61.5 sacks over his 11 seasons in the league and made four Pro Bowls.

Lawrence played in all 17 games in 2022 and 2023, and he played a full 16 games from 2017 to 2020. He missed time in 2016 due to a suspension and back injury. Foot injuries cost him significant time in 2021 and last season. Lawrence played in only four games last year due to a foot injury suffered in September.

According to Pro Football Focus’ metrics, Lawrence remains a strong defensive end, particularly against the run.