DeMarcus Lawrence, the stalwart defensive end who has spent 11 years with the Dallas Cowboys, is headed to the Seattle Seahawks, having inked a three-year deal on March 12, 2025. This lucrative agreement is worth up to $42 million, with $18 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports including NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
The move marks a significant change for Lawrence, who was drafted 34th overall by the Cowboys in 2014 and has since established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the league. Over the course of his career, he has amassed 61.5 sacks, ranking him 10th in team history, and earned four Pro Bowl selections.
Lawrence’s departure from Dallas was expected, particularly after he struggled with injuries during the previous season. He played only four games in 2024 due to a Lisfranc injury to his right foot, totaling three sacks and 14 tackles during his limited play. A source revealed to ESPN's Adam Schefter on the day of the announcement how the Seahawks actively pursued Lawrence to bolster their pass rush after releasing former player Dre'Mont Jones.
Reuniting with Aden Durde, the Seahawks' defensive coordinator who served as Lawrence's defensive line coach during his tenure with the Cowboys, Lawrence brings not only his skillset but also invaluable experience to the Seahawks' defense. The team struggled on defense last season, ranking 30th for total yards allowed, but made strides under the guidance of head coach Mike Macdonald to jump to 14th place. The signing of Lawrence is seen as another key step to improving the team's defensive capabilities, especially after they ranked poorly against both the pass and the run.
Lawrence has had his fair share of ups and downs, including missing 13 games over recent seasons due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, his ability to disrupt plays makes him one of the most valuable 4-3 defensive ends, capable of controlling the line of scrimmage and pressuring quarterbacks. His best season came back in 2017 when he recorded 14.5 sacks, which helped him gain recognition as not just a talented pass rusher but as one of the league's best defensive players.
The Cowboys also faced challenges as they sought to retain the powerful defensive player who was pivotal to their strategy. Lawrence had previously signed the richest deal for any defensive player in Cowboys history—a five-year, $105 million contract back in 2019—and was thought to be a possibility for re-signing. This year, he appeared confident about his future, previously stating, “I’m not only going to play in Dallas,” hinting at his consideration for other opportunities.
Seattle’s decision to pursue Lawrence is seen as part of broader efforts to revamp their roster, which also included signing quarterback Sam Darnold after trading away Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Seahawks are clearly eager to improve both sides of the ball. They also recently signed offensive tackle Josh Jones and wide receiver Marques Valdes-Scantling, indicating they are not just targeting Lawrence to bolster their pass rush but aiming to create a more dynamic team overall.
Looking forward to the upcoming season, head coach Mike Macdonald will likely hope to implement Lawrence alongside other returning pass rushers such as Uchenna Nwosu, Derick Hall, and Boye Mafe, thereby building depth and stability on the defensive line. The potential renegotiation of Nwosu’s contract, which carries the highest cap hit for 2025, could factor significantly as the Seahawks adapt and strategize for the season.
Seattle has averaged 211.9 passing yards allowed per game and 120.8 rushing yards per game, which suggests immediate areas for improvement. Lawrence's reputation for tackling (450 career tackles, including 97 for loss) and disruptive play will be instrumental as they work to shore up these weaknesses. His renowned adaptability suggests he could thrive under the Seahawks' scheme, making him one of the most pivotal new additions to the roster.
This signing not only rejuvenates Lawrence’s career following injuries but also marks Seattle's intent to compete at the highest level by reinforcing their defense with proven talent. It's evident the symbol of Lawrence's transition will also signify Seattle's commitment to ascend within the competitive NFC West, where they will face formidable foes.
With Lawrence donning the blue and action green, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he adapts to his new surroundings and whether he can replicate or build upon his previous success on the field.