The NFL Combine in Indianapolis has lived up to the hype once again. While no breaking news has happened as it pertains to the Dallas Cowboys, we have a good idea on where the team's priorities land before free agecy gets underway in a few weeks.
The Cowboys are reportedly closing in on re-signing Osa Odighizuwa. While negotiations could persist into next week, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram understands both sides have a "mutual desire" for Odighizuwa to continue playing in Dallas.
Once the Odighizuwa domino falls, things might really start to heat up. The Cowboys have been refreshingly proactive this offseason in terms of opening talks with impending free agents.
DeMarcus Lawrence's future in particular is a big talking point after it was confirmed he will play another season following some brief retirement speculation. Lawrence's agent met with Dallas on Friday, per Harris. It is unknown as of this writing how those talks went.
Believe it or not, though, Lawrence's agent David Canter offered an interesting perspective on the 32-year-old's future during a radio hit with 105.3 The Fan at the NFL Combine.
DeMarcus Lawrence's agent reveals likely Cowboys fate at NFL Combine
Canter is cautiously optimistic that Lawrence can return to the Cowboys, though he made sure to hedge a little in case that does not happen.
"I noticed some little tea leaves that I read through the Dallas media that get leaked from organizations that maybe they're not gonna bring him back," Canter said. "That's understandable, you know? They (may) want to get younger and less expensive and things like that."
That might sound like Lawrence won't be back, but it is noteworthy that the team has been in communication with Canter. In fact, Canter, who is also the agent of Jourdan Lewis, Rico Dowdle, Chauncey Golston, Israel Mukuamu and Nick Vigil, has outlined to the front office what it will take to get Lawrence to sign on the dotted line.
"I’m optimistic in our conversations with the Cowboys that they’re very aware of what it will take to keep DeMarcus a Cowboy. Honestly, that’s up to them. It’s not up to us. There’s a number. That number gets done and DeMarcus is wearing 90 and running back on the field."
Entering his age-33 season, Lawrence will likely come cheaper than fellow free agent Chauncey Golston, who broke out last season to the tune of 5.5 sacks, only just turned 27 and has gotten better every season. Whereas Lawrence might cap at $4 million per year, Golston could get between $6-8 million.
Either way, the ball is officially in the Cowboys' court. Lawrence has made Dallas his top priority. Things move fast at the Combine so there might be a new update by the publication of this article. One would think, though, that the team wants Lawrence back.
The defensive line needs a veteran in the room who holds others accountable. While Micah Parsons made immense strides as a leader in 2024, leadership comes naturally to Lawrence. He's the team's designated pregame hype man and is still the best run defender on the roster.
The decision should be an easy one. Assuming Canter and Lawrence have set a reasonable price, Dallas should re-sign their longtime star.
