DeMarcus Lawrence: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

Dallas Cowboys

All signs point to the Dallas Cowboys doing everything possible to keep their talented, young pass rusher. When healthy DeMarcus Lawrence has shown that he can be an elite edge rusher, demanding double teams and getting to the quarterback.

According to K.D. Drummond of USA Today, the Cowboys will likely place one type of tag on Lawrence, effectively keeping the league away from him.

"Dallas will likely slap the tag on Lawrence, and then look to negotiate a long-term deal over the offseason. This normally happens around the deadline to report, in mid-July. That’s what happened to Dez Bryant. The risk is that the player, who is not under contract, stays away from offseason work to avoid injury. With Lawrence’s injury history, this makes plenty of sense for him."

If Lawrence is tagged there are two options for Dallas. The exclusive and non-exclusive option.

The exclusive tag means the Lawrence will get a single year salary that is the average of the top five paid players at his position. This equates to about $14 million.

For the non-exclusive tag would allow others to negotiate a contract with Lawrence. If the two sides agreed to a deal they would have to give the Cowboys compensation. That compensation would be two first round picks. After signing the contract Dallas would have five days to decide to match the offer or accept the two first round picks.

Lawrence’s production during his first four seasons are not among the elite pass rusher in the NFL. However, he’s struggled with injuries which certainly hampered his production. He will be 26 years old next season. It would be wise for both Dallas and Lawrence to come together for a multi-year contract.