In Dallas, the talk about extensions is revolving around Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons, but some crucial members of the Cowboys’ defense need new contracts too.
The 2024 season will be a huge one for the Cowboys.
Organizationally, they are at a crossroads.
Their head coach, defensive coordinator, quarterback, and superstar wide receiver are all in the last year of their contracts.
No change: The #Cowboys are keeping HC Mike McCarthy for the 2024 season, per @AdamSchefter. That is currently the final year of his contract. pic.twitter.com/RUBILDWFdg
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 18, 2024
If those guys want to compete for championships with Dallas, they have to perform in the postseason this year first.
Another disappointing playoff exit likely means pressing the reset button next offseason.
So, what does this mean for the guys on the Cowboys’ defense who are not as highly considered as the superstars of the team?
It means they’ll have to elevate their play in 2024.
And that’s especially true for the guys that need new contracts.
The front office will need a good reason to bring them back as their “money problems” hold them hostage.
Here’s a look at three of those defenders and what they need to do for extensions in 2025.
Defensive End, DeMarcus Lawrence
The longest-tenured Cowboys, along with fellow 2014 draftee Zack Martin, is Pro Bowler DeMarcus Lawrence.
“D-Law” is headed into his 11th year as a Cowboy, and it could be his last.
The underrated Boise State alum only has one year left on his contract.
This means he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
Lawrence is coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl nods, tallying 10 sacks and 19 tackles for loss in his last two seasons.
Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson, DE DeMarcus Lawrence and LG Tyler Smith have been added to the Pro Bowl roster
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 30, 2024
Parsons’ influence has made Lawrence reemerge, as offensive lines have shifted their focus to the young superstar rather than the seasoned vet.
This is a guy who loves Dallas, and he’d likely prefer to be a Cowboy for life.
So, what can he do to earn an extension?
For Lawrence, it’s more about what he can’t do in 2024 that can keep him around.
The Cowboys are very tight on money and have 2nd-round pick Marshawn Kneeland waiting in the wings.
Watching new #DallasCowboys DL Marshawn Kneeland it’s hard to ignore the uncanny resemblance to DeMarcus Lawrence.
Dude is a menace in running game, plays with a tremendous motor, and the effort is relentless. #CowboysNation is going to love this kid. pic.twitter.com/DKbY5ePzll
— Tony Catalina (@Tony_Catalina) April 27, 2024
This means they may be looking to move on from Lawrence after this season.
If he continues to play at a high level, his age and price tag may take the Cowboys out of the running.
It sounds counterproductive because it is, but for Lawrence to stay in Dallas long-term, he may need a down year in 2024.
Defensive Tackle, Osa Odighizuwa
There is no debate about which Cowboys defensive tackle brings the most talent to the room.
The answer is clearly former 3rd-round pick, Osa Odighizuwa.
Coming out of UCLA, he made an immediate impact on the Dallas defensive line, and he has been improving ever since.
Odighizuwa is a fantastic run defender and has shown flashes with pass rush too.
At 25 years old, you can bet he would have a ton of interest and money thrown at him on the open market.
Dan Quinn has found his Grady Jarrett.
Monster year coming from Osa Odighizuwa. pic.twitter.com/IwmqDXoMeD— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) September 13, 2023
The problem for Dallas is, that exact scenario is set to take place next offseason.
This is the last year of Odighizuwa’s rookie contract, and without a new deal, he could walk out the door after this season.
With the DT room as weak as it is in Dallas, it is paramount that the Cowboys bring him back.
The price tag won’t be cheap, especially if Odighizuwa continues to improve this season.
But, if the Cowboys’ defense wants to be considered serious, they need him back long-term to dominate interior offensive lines.
This is the biggest year yet for Odighizuwa, his reputation around the league, and his bank account.
Defensive Lineman, Chauncey Golston
Speaking of former 3rd-round picks, it is as make-or-break as it gets for the 84th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Chauncey Golston.
Dallas drafted the former Iowa Hawkeye with high hopes for his versatility, and run/pass defense combination.
Unfortunately, that simply has not come to fruition like the front office thought it would.
Don’t get me wrong, Golston has shown flashes, and he has moved around different positions well.
Cowboys DT Chauncey Golston recorded 11 tackles in 22 snaps last week, matching the tackle total from his first 215 snaps of season. DC Dan Quinn: “I feel like his arrow is going up" entering playoffs. https://t.co/LJzru5dXtT pic.twitter.com/XqLoXRcnW3
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 15, 2023
But the numbers and playing time have never truly formalized for him.
His defensive snap percentage peaked in his rookie year at 41%, before climbing down to 23% and 29% in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
All hope is not lost for Golston though, as he is in prime position to have his breakout year.
With depth lost on the Cowboys’ defensive front, he is in line for a starting job in 2024.
Golston needs a big season to earn a new deal, or he will hit the free-agent market in 2025 with limited accomplishments.
Dallas is counting on him, and this is his best chance to prove them right.
