After spending over a decade with the Dallas Cowboys, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence signed a three-year deal worth $32.5 million with the Seattle Seahawks. The contract includes $18 million in guaranteed money and could reach $42 million with incentives.
Lawrence, who was a four-time Pro Bowler with the Cowboys, expressed excitement about his move while acknowledging that Dallas remained his home. However, his comment about not being able to win a Super Bowl with the Cowboys stirred controversy among his former teammates.
Lawrence and Parsons Clash Publicly as Cowboys Struggle Through Injuries and Changes
Lawrence’s remarks upon his arrival in Seattle upset Micah Parsons, his former Cowboys teammate of four years. Parsons responded on social media, calling Lawrence’s statement “clown s—” and accusing him of being envious and bitter. Lawrence, in turn, fired back, criticizing Parsons’ focus on social media rather than on winning.
Their public exchange highlighted the tension between the two pass rushers, who once formed a formidable defensive duo in Dallas. Sources later revealed that multiple members of the Cowboys organization were frustrated with Lawrence’s remarks.
Lawrence’s departure came after an injury-riddled 2024 season in which he missed 13 games due to a Lisfranc injury in his right foot. His absence contributed to the Cowboys’ struggles, as they finished with a 7-10 record, leading to the firing of head coach Mike McCarthy and the hiring of Brian Schottenheimer.
Despite earlier expressing a desire to stay in Dallas, Lawrence acknowledged that he had other options and ultimately accepted Seattle’s offer, which Dallas was unwilling to match.
Lawrence Prioritizes Super Bowl Hopes, Cowboys Face Cap Hit and Unfinished Business
The Cowboys’ reluctance to offer a comparable deal played a significant role in Lawrence’s decision. Seattle’s contract not only provided more guaranteed money but also gave him a better chance to compete for a Super Bowl—something he felt was unlikely in Dallas.
With 61.5 career sacks and a strong resume, Lawrence believed he still had more to give and saw Seattle as the best opportunity to pursue his championship aspirations. Meanwhile, the Cowboys will still have to account for $7.445 million of Lawrence’s contract in their 2025 salary cap.
While the Cowboys and Seahawks won’t meet in the 2025 regular season, a playoff matchup remains possible. If the two teams face off in the postseason, Lawrence’s comments and the public feud with Parsons would add extra intensity to the game. As Lawrence embarks on a new chapter with the Seahawks, his departure from Dallas marks the end of an era—but it may not be the last time he crosses paths with his former team.
