The key A free agency defensive star for the Dallas Cowboys is expected to leave the team for a rival.

Introduction: The Stakes of Free Agency for the Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are heading into an offseason that could prove pivotal for the future of the team’s defense. While the Cowboys have been consistently competitive, their postseason performances have been lackluster in recent years, often due to issues within key areas of their team, especially their defense. This offseason, one of the biggest storylines is the fate of DeMarcus Lawrence, a long-time stalwart of the Cowboys’ defensive line. His impending free agency has brought with it the unsettling prediction that Lawrence may leave the Cowboys for their NFC East rival, the Washington Commanders.

The loss of a player like Lawrence would not only weaken the Cowboys’ defense but also give the Commanders a significant edge. Lawrence has been one of the top pass rushers in the NFL for the better part of a decade, and his leadership on and off the field is immeasurable. The potential shift of Lawrence to Washington raises many questions about the Cowboys’ defensive future, and it could set the stage for a dramatic reshaping of the NFC East’s power dynamics.

In this piece, we will analyze the potential departure of DeMarcus Lawrence, the impact it could have on both the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders, and what the Cowboys need to do to maintain their competitive edge in a rapidly evolving NFL landscape.

DeMarcus Lawrence: A Look at His Career and Impact on the Cowboys

DeMarcus Lawrence has been the heart and soul of the Cowboys’ defensive line for nearly a decade. Since being drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Lawrence has consistently been one of the best pass rushers in the league. Over the years, he has amassed 110 career sacks and has been named to multiple Pro Bowls. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt plays in the backfield has made him one of the most feared defensive linemen in the NFL.

In addition to his pass-rushing prowess, Lawrence has been a key figure in the Cowboys’ run defense. His versatility allows him to play both as a traditional defensive end in a 4-3 scheme and as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. This makes him an invaluable asset to the Cowboys, particularly under the guidance of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who has worked with Lawrence to elevate his game to even greater heights.

Despite his age (Lawrence will turn 33 in April), he remains a highly productive player. His 2023 season was slightly impacted by injury, but he still finished with impressive numbers, earning a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 91, ranking him as one of the top pass rushers in the league. His leadership and experience continue to make him an essential part of the Cowboys’ defense, and his departure would create a significant void.

However, Lawrence’s tenure with the Cowboys may be nearing its end. The Cowboys face significant salary cap constraints, which could force them to make tough decisions about who to retain. As one of the highest-paid players on the defense, Lawrence’s contract may be viewed as an obstacle to the team’s future salary cap flexibility. Despite his importance to the defense, there are growing speculations that Lawrence may leave the Cowboys for a division rival in the NFC East.

The Washington Commanders: A Rising Threat

The Washington Commanders, long seen as a rebuilding team, have made substantial strides over the past few seasons. Under head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, Washington has developed one of the more formidable defenses in the NFL, particularly in terms of their front seven. With stars like Chase Young, Montez Sweat, and Jonathan Allen, the Commanders boast a talented group of defensive linemen and linebackers who can generate significant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

In 2025, the Commanders are expected to be active in the free-agent market as they look to take the next step toward becoming NFC contenders. Adding DeMarcus Lawrence to their already talented defensive line would make Washington’s front seven one of the most dangerous in the league. A defense featuring Lawrence alongside Young, Sweat, and Allen would be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and it would elevate the Commanders into an even stronger position within the NFC East.

Additionally, the Commanders are reportedly looking to build around a young, promising quarterback. This could mean that Washington is willing to invest in experienced veterans like Lawrence to complement their emerging offensive talent. Given the team’s financial flexibility and commitment to building a competitive roster, Washington could be an ideal landing spot for Lawrence.

Lawrence’s experience and leadership would also be a major boost to the Commanders’ locker room. His presence could be the missing piece that elevates Washington’s defense to an elite level and makes them a legitimate contender in the NFC East.

Impact of Lawrence’s Departure on the Dallas Cowboys

If DeMarcus Lawrence does leave the Cowboys to join the Washington Commanders, the Cowboys will face a massive challenge in replacing his production. The Cowboys’ defense, while still strong, has relied heavily on Lawrence’s ability to disrupt offenses and generate pressure on the quarterback. Without him, the Cowboys will need to find a way to maintain their pass rush and stop the run.

1. Loss of Leadership: DeMarcus Lawrence has been a vocal leader in the Cowboys’ locker room for years. His work ethic, passion for the game, and commitment to his teammates have made him a respected figure both within the organization and across the NFL. His departure would create a leadership vacuum, one that may be difficult to fill, especially with the Cowboys’ defense already in a state of transition with the introduction of new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
2. Pass Rush: Lawrence has consistently been one of the Cowboys’ top pass rushers, and his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks has been a cornerstone of the team’s defensive strategy. Without Lawrence, the Cowboys will need to rely more heavily on players like Micah Parsons, who is capable of becoming one of the best pass rushers in the league. However, Parsons cannot do it alone. The Cowboys will need to add more pass-rushing talent to their roster, either through the draft or free agency.
3. Run Defense: Lawrence’s ability to set the edge against the run has also been critical to the Cowboys’ defensive success. His departure could leave the Cowboys vulnerable to teams that rely heavily on the run game. Again, finding a replacement for Lawrence’s all-around skills will be crucial to maintaining the team’s defensive identity.
4. Financial Constraints: The Cowboys’ salary cap situation is already tight, and losing Lawrence could create additional financial flexibility. While this might provide some relief, it also means that the Cowboys will need to make smart moves in free agency and the draft to ensure that the defense remains competitive. They cannot afford to waste cap space or make mistakes when replacing key contributors like Lawrence.

What the Cowboys Must Do Moving Forward

If the Cowboys are to remain competitive in the NFC East and beyond, they will need to take several steps in order to offset the potential loss of DeMarcus Lawrence.

1. Defensive Line Reinforcement: The Cowboys must address their defensive line, either through free agency or the draft. While Parsons is an emerging superstar, the team needs to bring in more talent to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Players like Yannick Ngakoue, who is known for his pass-rushing ability, could be a viable free-agent target. The Cowboys should also consider drafting a young pass rusher in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to bolster their defense.
2. Secondary Enhancements: While the Cowboys’ secondary has performed well in recent years, it’s aging, and some key players—like safeties Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson—are expected to be released. The team will need to invest in younger defensive backs who can provide immediate help in both coverage and run defense. The Cowboys should target defensive backs in free agency or early in the draft to shore up their secondary.
3. Salary Cap Flexibility: The Cowboys need to manage their salary cap effectively to retain key players and bring in new talent. They should consider restructuring contracts, cutting non-essential players, or even making tough decisions on veteran players to create additional cap space. This financial flexibility will be crucial as they work to strengthen their defense in the wake of Lawrence’s potential departure.
4. Develop Young Talent: The Cowboys should prioritize developing their younger defensive players. Linebackers like Jabril Cox and defensive backs like DaRon Bland and Kelvin Joseph will need to step up and contribute at a higher level. The Cowboys’ coaching staff must focus on developing these players to become the backbone of the defense moving forward.

 A Defining Moment for the Cowboys

The potential departure of DeMarcus Lawrence to the Washington Commanders would be a devastating blow to the Dallas Cowboys’ defense. Lawrence has been a key figure in the team’s success, and losing him would create a significant gap in both leadership and talent. However, the Cowboys must not panic. Instead, they need to use this offseason to build a defense that can remain competitive without Lawrence.

By focusing on strengthening their defensive line, improving the secondary, managing the salary cap, and developing younger talent, the Cowboys can continue to be a force in the NFC. The NFC East is as competitive as ever, and while Lawrence’s departure would be a setback, it could also open the door for new opportunities for the Cowboys to refresh and rebuild their defense for long-term success.

As the offseason progresses, the Cowboys’ front office will face difficult decisions, and how they navigate this period will determine whether they can maintain their standing as a top team in the NFC or fall behind their rivals, including the Washington Commanders, who could quickly take advantage of any weakness in the Cowboys’ defense.