DeMarcus Lawrence makes NFL history with new Cowboys contract

Cowboys star DeMarcus Lawrence is staying in Dallas thanks to a new contract that sets a record for guaranteed money for an NFL defensive end.

It was possible for the Cowboys and DeMarcus Lawrence to part ways this year but the team wanted to keep him and the defensive end wanted to stay.

That’s a recipe for getting a deal done and indeed it got done on Monday.

Lawrence and Dallas agreed to a new contract for the next three years worth $30 million guaranteed. The full deal could be worth $40 million, per Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus.

DeMarcus Lawrence made NFL history with new Cowboys contract

According to Tom Pelissero, his guaranteed money is unprecedented for a defensive end. No DE in NFL history has ever played seven seasons with a fully guaranteed contract.

After receiving the franchise tag in 2018 and the start of 2019, Lawrence and Dallas agreed to a five-year, $105 million contract in 2019. His salaries in 2019, 2020 and 2021 were fully guaranteed. He’ll continue to enjoy that guarantee for the next three years as well.

The deal is a win-win for the player and the team. Lawrence will get more guaranteed dollars in the long run while the Cowboys will lessen his cap hit, which was going to be $27 million in 2022. His new cap number will be just $14 million, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.

This announcement comes on the heels of Dallas signing Michael Gallup to a five-year deal.

The Cowboys drafted Lawrence in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has become one of the league’s best edge rushers with Pro Bowl nods in 2017 and 2018. He had double-digit sack totals in those years.

Lawrence’s 2021 season was abbreviated because of a broken bone in his foot. He only played in seven games with three sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception returned for a touchdown. Now that he’s settled with a new deal, Dallas will look for him to get back in the groove in 2022 and beyond.