Demarcus Lawrence

Cowboys would prefer to not use franchise tag on Demarcus Lawrence

Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones said the team wants to avoid using the franchise tag on impending free agent defensive end Demarcus Lawrence.

What It Means:

“Our first goal is to sign him to a long-term deal, obviously,” Jones said from the Senior Bowl. “To me, the only reason you use a franchise tag is to hopefully protect yourself if you can’t get a long-term deal signed that you like." After an injury-plagued 2016 campaign, the 2014 second-round pick erupted for 15.0 sacks this season. However, Lawrence has already undergone two back surgeries, which could potentially make long-term negotiations difficult.

Lawrence recorded 58 tackles (36 solo) with 4 forced fumbles and 1 pass deflection, in addition to the 15.0 sacks.