The Seattle Seahawks have made a significant acquisition on the first day of the new league year, signing former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence. The three-year contract is worth up to $42 million, with $18 million guaranteed.
This signing marks a strategic move by the Seahawks to bolster their defense under head coach Mike Macdonald. Lawrence, a veteran pass rusher, brings experience and talent to Seattle’s defensive line, aiming to make an immediate impact.
Lawrence Leaves Cowboys After 11 Seasons, Embraces Fresh Challenge with Seahawks
Before joining the Seahawks, Lawrence spent 11 seasons with the Cowboys, where he established himself as a dominant force. Drafted in 2014, he quickly became a cornerstone of Dallas’ defense, earning four Pro Bowl selections and amassing 61.5 career sacks.
Despite being franchise-tagged twice and securing a massive five-year, $105 million contract in 2019, Lawrence’s tenure in Dallas ended as he sought a fresh opportunity. At 32 years old, he now looks to continue his career with a new challenge in Seattle.
Demarcus Lawrence (NFL)Interestingly, just two weeks before signing with the Seahawks, Lawrence expressed a desire to remain with the Cowboys, calling it a “glorious” idea. However, negotiations with Dallas did not materialize as expected, prompting him to explore other options.
Seattle, looking to strengthen its defensive unit, saw an opportunity to sign a proven pass rusher at a reasonable price. The Seahawks’ willingness to invest in a veteran like Lawrence reflects their commitment to improving their defensive performance.
Seattle Bolsters Defense with Lawrence, Aiming for Stability and Success in 2025
Seattle’s defense has been steadily improving, climbing from 30th in total yards allowed in 2023 to 14th in 2024 under Mike Macdonald’s leadership. With major changes on the offensive side, the Seahawks need their defense to become a stabilizing force in the 2025 season.
Lawrence’s presence on the defensive line adds experience and leadership, which could be crucial in helping the team maintain its upward trajectory. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt plays will be a valuable asset to Seattle’s evolving defensive scheme.
As Lawrence transitions to the Seahawks, he brings an impressive resume, including 450 career tackles, 97 tackles for loss, and 126 quarterback hits. However, his 2024 season was marred by injuries, causing him to miss 13 games and making his $20.4 million cap hit in Dallas less effective.
Now in Seattle, he aims to return to form, proving he still has plenty to offer as a high-impact defender. With a fresh start and a new team, Lawrence is set to make his mark in Seattle and help the Seahawks push for success in the coming seasons.
