The Dallas Cowboys have been “in the mix” on some blockbuster trades over the last few offseasons. Of course, they dealt a first round pick for their best wide receiver in Amari Cooper back in 2018. But they’ve also been rumored to be involved with all of Jamal Adams drama over the past two years.

In the end, Adams commanded much more from the Seahawks than Dallas was comfortable offering. But if a safety who is about to get paid can get you back two first round picks, what is a premier defensive end worth?

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report wondered exactly this in his recent article, suggesting the Cowboys should consider shopping Lawrence to see what type of return he would bring back. Admittedly, the Cowboys are in a tricky contract situation with their quarterback, and any extra leg room for Stephen Jones in the cap space department would be welcomed I’m sure.

“At 28 years old, Lawrence is in his playing prime. With 29.5 sacks over the past three seasons, he’s a producer. The Cowboys should see what they can get from a pass rush-needy team like the Cleveland Browns.”

This is a time where trading for picks is misguided, though. Lawrence is about all the Cowboys have left in terms of blue-chippers on the defensive side of the ball. They’ve went all in on their offense, specifically their passing game, over the past few seasons. And while this has put them in a contending position heading into 2020, it’s also led to some question marks on their defense.

Without Lawrence, it’s tough to see any of the Cowboys rush-men earning much respect from opposing offenses. Yes, they’ve added some solid veteran depth on the interior of the line, but holding out hope for Aldon Smith to return to form isn’t a great Plan A at defensive end.

DeMarcus Lawrence is the heart and soul of the Cowboys defense, and even if they’ve shown capable of converting on their first round picks in the past, gambling on a draft class when you already have a stud pass rusher in his prime would not be the savviest move.