DeMarcus Lawrence on initial offer from the Cowboys: 'It was disrespectful'

The Dallas Cowboys selected DeMarcus Lawrence in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has been a big part of the defense in Dallas ever since. But as the two sides discussed a new contract this offseason, things were anything but smooth.

Lawrence was franchise tagged in 2019, and then signed a five-year, $105 million contract that included $65 million in total guarantees, locking him up through the 2023 season. But this offseason, the Cowboys began negotiations on a restructured deal with Lawrence.

According to Lawrence, the initial number given to him by the Cowboys was “disrespectful.” It even made Lawrence request his release during negotiations.

“[Stephen Jones] sent me over a number and I’m like, ‘What is this sh**, bro’?” said Lawrence. “Why are y’all sitting here playing with me. You don’t want to know [the number] man, it’s disrespectful. … I feel like it was disrespectful. I told them like, ‘Hey man. The Cowboys have done a lot for me and I thank y’all for everything y’all done, but I think it’s time for us to part ways and I wish for y’all to cut me.'”

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones came in to save the day during Lawrence’s negotiations

When Stephen Jones was negotiating with Lawrence, he told the star defensive end that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones likely wouldn’t like Lawrence’s number. Lawrence responded by saying that he has earned every penny that he has gotten. And when it came to his contract, Lawrence made sure to remind the Cowboys that he was helping them out by restructuring his deal.

“Stephen was like, ‘Alright, I’m about to bring your offer to Jerry to see what he says, but I’m pretty sure he’s gonna be pissed about it because he just gave you $65 million,'” Lawrence added. “My response was, “He ain’t give me shit. I earned it. Feel me? So if Jerry wants to keep me here, he has to understand this is what I’m worth, and I’m actually showing love and helping y’all out by offering y’all the relief in cap space. 

“‘So let’s go out here and have a fruitful free agency and pick up the guys we need in order to win a Super Bowl. Because if I’m not getting this number, I won’t be here to help.’ Jerry was like, ‘Shoot, D-Law has been faithful to us for the last seven or eight years, give him his money. Jerry came in and got it straight.'”

Lawrence battled through injuries this season, playing in just seven games with 21 tackles, five tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception. Now, with a restructured deal done, Lawrence is looking to continue being a key stalwart on the defensive side of the ball with the Cowboys.