DeMarcus Lawrence Ends Cowboys Career on Rocky Terms After Signing With Seattle

After an impressive 11-year tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence has made headlines with his decision to sign a three-year contract worth a base amount of $32.5 million with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent this week. This pivotal move marks a significant shift in his career, capturing the attention of fans and former teammates after Lawrence shared his thoughts on the transition.

Lawrence’s remarks upon arriving in the Pacific Northwest sparked controversy, particularly with his former teammate Micah Parsons. During an interview with Seahawks blogger Brian Nemhauser, Lawrence candidly expressed his sentiments about leaving Dallas. "A change in scenery is always good," he mused. "But Dallas is my home. I made my home there, my family lives there, I'm forever going to be there. But I know for sure I'm not going to win a Super Bowl there, so yeah. We here." These words did not sit well with Micah Parsons, a fellow pass rusher and Lawrence’s teammate for four seasons, who took to social media platform X to respond. "This what rejection and envy look like!" Parsons wrote in response to Lawrence’s statement.

Lawrence's exit from the Cowboys was underscored by his challenging 2024 season, during which he was sidelined for the final 13 games due to a Lisfranc injury to his right foot. There had been optimism that he might return late in the season, but the Cowboys’ playoff hopes faded, leading to a disappointing 7-10 finish. This outcome ultimately triggered a coaching overhaul, with Mike McCarthy being replaced by Brian Schottenheimer. Given Lawrence's injury history and the team's struggles, the Cowboys opted not to match the lucrative offer he received from the Seahawks.

Seattle's offer includes a substantial $18 million in guaranteed money, with the potential for the contract to reach $42 million through incentives and bonuses. Additionally, Lawrence will carry a cap hit of $7.445 million against the Cowboys' payroll in 2025, marking a financial consideration as Dallas looks to reset.

Now joining the Seahawks, Lawrence becomes part of a roster bolstered by several notable free-agent signings, including quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Seattle appears committed to going all-in this season, determined to make a significant impact in the NFC West, a division that looks more competitive than ever before. With Lawrence on board, Seahawks fans can expect an exciting season ahead, as the team aims to rise to the challenge and contend for a Super Bowl title.