DeMarcus Lawrence Joins Seattle Seahawks After Long Tenure with Dallas Cowboys

DeMarcus Lawrence Finds New Home with Seattle Seahawks After 11 Seasons with Dallas Cowboys

In a move that has sent ripples through the NFL community, DeMarcus Lawrence, the formidable defensive end who has been a staple of the Dallas Cowboys for over a decade, is packing his bags and heading to the Pacific Northwest. After 11 seasons with the Cowboys, Lawrence has agreed to a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks. This deal, which includes $18 million guaranteed and a maximum value of $42 million, was confirmed by a source to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday.

For the Seahawks, this acquisition addresses a pressing need on the edge, especially after the team released Dre’Mont Jones. The Seahawks are also in discussions with outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu about restructuring his deal to lower his $21 million cap charge. Clearly, the Seahawks are making strategic moves to bolster their defense, and Lawrence’s addition is a significant part of that plan.

One of the intriguing aspects of Lawrence’s move to Seattle is his reunion with Aden Durde. Durde, who was the Cowboys’ defensive line coach, was hired by the Seahawks last year to coordinate Mike Macdonald’s defense. This reunion could be a key factor in Lawrence’s transition to his new team, as familiarity with coaching styles and expectations can often ease the adjustment period for players switching teams.

Lawrence’s 2024 season was marred by a right mid-foot sprain suffered against the New York Giants, limiting him to just four games. He was placed on injured reserve with hopes of returning later in the season. However, with the Cowboys finishing with a 7-10 record, it was deemed unnecessary for him to return. Despite the limited playtime, Lawrence managed to record 14 tackles, 3 sacks, and 8 quarterback pressures.

At 32, Lawrence has established himself as one of the premier two-way defensive ends in the league, known for his ability to both play the run and pressure the quarterback. His prowess on the field earned him the richest deal in Cowboys history for a defensive player back in 2019, a five-year contract worth $105 million guaranteed. This was after he posted impressive back-to-back seasons with 14.5 and 10.5 sacks.

However, after signing that lucrative deal, Lawrence did not surpass 6.5 sacks in any subsequent season. Despite this, coaches have consistently praised his ability to contribute beyond just sacking the quarterback. Excluding his injury-plagued seasons in 2021 and 2024, Lawrence consistently posted at least 36 pressures and recorded at least four tackles and six tackles for loss each season.

Over his 11 NFL seasons, Lawrence has accumulated 61.5 sacks, a testament to his enduring impact on the field. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Seahawks, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he adapts to his new environment and what he brings to Seattle’s defense.

• DeMarcus Lawrence’s Career Highlights:
• 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys
• Four-time Pro Bowl selection
• 61.5 career sacks
• Richest defensive player deal in Cowboys history in 2019

As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, Lawrence’s move to Seattle is just one of many storylines capturing the attention of fans and analysts. With the Seahawks looking to strengthen their defense, Lawrence’s experience and skill set could prove invaluable in the seasons to come.