One of the biggest questions facing the Dallas Cowboys this offseason has been how they’ll handle their breakout pass rusher, DeMarcus Lawrence.
Lawrence racked up 14.5 sacks in 2017, finally living up to the hype surrounding him when Dallas traded up to get him back in 2014. Unfortunately for the business side of the Cowboys, he did it in a contract year.
It’s been inevitable to hear word that Dallas will use the franchise tag on Lawrence, as they’ll unlikely be able to figure out a long-term deal they both like in the immediate future. This idea crystallized all the more on Monday.
Cowboys will not place franchise tag on DeMarcus Lawrence tomorrow as that window opens but will do so by March 6 w/ understanding the goal is to reach a long-term deal. Both sides have until July 16 to make that happen.
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) February 19, 2018
As David Moore notes, the franchise tag window officially opens this Tuesday. It makes sense for the Cowboys to use every ounce of time before the deadline (March 6th) in order to try and land a long-term deal, as the franchise tag is the last option.
It would also serve the Cowboys well to work out a long-term contract with guard Zack Martin as soon as possible. The 2014 draft class has come up big and deserves to be rewarded, as hopefully they’ll serve as foundations for the next great era in Dallas.