DeMarcus Lawrence Heads to Seattle: A Cowboy's Farewell
The Dallas Cowboys’ offseason? It’s been a rollercoaster, let me tell you. Big signings, heartbreaking goodbyes… you name it. One of the biggest shocks? DeMarcus Lawrence, a Cowboy for what felt like forever, bolted for Seattle. He signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Seahawks. Seriously, even CeeDee Lamb looked stunned on that live stream – I think we all did!
The End of an Era (or is it?)
Think about it: Lawrence, a second-round pick back in 2014, spent eleven seasons in Dallas. He became a defensive cornerstone, a real legend. 61.5 sacks, 450 tackles… the guy’s stats speak for themselves. He earned four Pro Bowl nods. Four! Then, injuries hit in 2024, limiting him to just four games. But even with that, his impact on the team was undeniable. His leaving? It leaves a huge hole, especially with the Cowboys' defense already dealing with injuries.
So, Why Seattle? The Big Question.
Lawrence initially said he wanted to stay in Dallas. But the Seahawks came in with a seriously tempting offer – $18 million guaranteed over three years. That’s a lot of money. And then there's the factor of Aden Durde, Seattle's defensive coordinator. He used to coach Lawrence’s defensive line in Dallas. That connection probably played a huge role. Plus, Seattle desperately needed help with their pass rush, and Lawrence, even with injury concerns, is a huge get.
Winners and Losers? It’s Complicated.
For Dallas, losing Lawrence means Micah Parsons has to carry an even bigger load. And now they’re division rivals! Talk about awkward. The Cowboys will have to scramble to find cheaper, younger players to fill that defensive end spot. Seattle? They got a seasoned pro who can mentor the younger guys and instantly improve their pass rush. And let's not forget, they also signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling – their offense just got a whole lot stronger.
What Now? The Cowboys' Future is Murky
The Cowboys’ offseason moves show they’re going through a big change. They added some players to the defense and special teams, but losing Lawrence highlights a shift towards a younger, more budget-friendly team. Meanwhile, Seattle looks primed for a playoff run, and frankly, who can blame them?
It's a bittersweet moment for football fans. A true legend moves on, and a team rebuilds. One thing is certain though – this will be a storyline to watch closely throughout the upcoming season.