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Demarcus Lawrence rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

By William Schneiderhan

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 16: Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) rushes into the backfield during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys on December 16, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 16: Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) rushes into the backfield during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys on December 16, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 16: San Francisco 49ers’ DeForest Buckner (99) sacks Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018. (Photo by Nhat V. Meyer/Digital First Media/The Mercury News via Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 16: San Francisco 49ers’ DeForest Buckner (99) sacks Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018. (Photo by Nhat V. Meyer/Digital First Media/The Mercury News via Getty Images) /

5. San Francisco 49ers

It is very likely that the San Francisco 49ers select a defensive lineman with the team’s second-overall pick in the draft. However, they have the cap space to do that and sign Lawrence to a contract.

With more than $63 million in cap space at the moment, signing Lawrence wouldn’t handcuff them financially. Also, pairing him alongside DeForest Buckner would give them a lot of pressure coming from the inside and edge. Buckner is coming off a Pro Bowl season, and he had 12 of the teams 37 sacks.

Buckner and Lawrence would instantly become one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL. Since 2016, Buckner and Lawrence have combined for 115 quarterback hits, 47 sacks and 61 tackles for loss.

The NFC West has dynamic offenses and good, or great, running back and quarterback play. Therefore, shutting down the opponents run game and getting pressure on the quarterback is key.

Robert Saleh, the team’s defensive coordinator, would make Lawrence feel right at home. Why? Saleh runs more of a 4-3 defensive scheme, similar to the high-powered scheme that Lawrence played under with Rod Marinelli in Dallas.

Signing Lawrence would yet be another sign the Niners are ready to compete. Trading and extending Jimmy Garoppolo, as well as signing Richard Sherman, demonstrated that idea last offseason. This offseason, we can expect the same from the 49ers as they attempt to become one of the league’s best teams once again.

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