The Dallas Cowboys have spent much of the last decade looking for their next “War Daddy” defensive end. The edge rusher who could make his impact felt each and every passing down, and force offenses to dictate their protections toward him.
This year, DeMarcus Lawrence emerged as that edge rusher. 2017 was a career year for DeMarcus Lawrence, coming away 14.5 sacks and a Pro Bowl selection. As an unrestricted free agent, Lawrence is highly coveted on the NFL market, making him a top priority for the Dallas Cowboys.
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, the Cowboys have turned in the paperwork to the NFL to franchise tag Lawrence, effective for 2018.
The Cowboys have turned in the paperwork to the NFL that they will place the franchise tag on defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, according to a source. They had until 3 p.m. Tuesday to make it official. As a result, the Pro Bowl defensive end will count… https://t.co/OExUeAKKDY
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 5, 2018
This guarantees that Lawrence will be a Cowboy in 2018, though it doesn’t rule out the possibility that the team can work out a long term deal with Lawrence during the offseason.
While this excites fans, DeMarcus Lawrence himself had some interesting comments. First, he let it be known that he was not aware of his tagging until reading about it on Twitter.
Oh wow. Glad the media knows. I still haven't heard anything haha. Either way, proud to be part of the @dallascowboys organization! Let's go chase #6 🏆!! #Tagged https://t.co/lteWKNNmtZ
— DeMarcus Lawrence (@TankLawrence) March 5, 2018
Still, DeMarcus Lawrence is excited to be back with the Cowboys, saying it’s time to chase their sixth Lombardi Trophy. Lawrence then dropped the tweet of the Cowboys’ year thus far, letting everyone know once again that “Dez Caught It.”
While I have everyone's attention. I know I'm late but…… #DezCaughtIt
— DeMarcus Lawrence (@TankLawrence) March 5, 2018
Anyway, DeMarcus Lawrence will be a Cowboy in 2018, and that is very good news.