https://player.anyclip.com/anyclip-widget/lre-widget/prod/v1/src/lre.js
This might be the end for DeMarcus Lawrence in Dallas. The veteran defensive end has been a mainstay on the Dallas Cowboys defensive line for over 10 seasons now, but a combination of cost and age could push the 32-year-old out the door in 2025.
Lawrence played in just four games last year after a Lisfranc injury ended his season early. The cagey vet who has made over $127 million in his career still managed to put up three sacks and 10 pressures in limited action, showing he still has plenty of juice in the tank (no pun intended) should his health corporate.
But the Cowboys are in cost-cutting mode again this season. Massive salaries at the top of the roster are leading the front office to reduce expenses elsewhere. Players like Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence could land on the business end of those decisions. Many feel the Cowboys are prepared to replace Martin given the depth behind him. But are people as confident about the DEs behind Lawrence?
With Chauncey Golston himself a free agent this March, the onus of replacing the four-time Pro Bowler largely falls upon fourth-year end Sam Williams and second-year end Marshawn Kneeland. Both players are former second-round picks and both were drafted with lofty expectations.
Williams was expected to have a breakout season in 2024 but an unfortunate ACL injury in the summer derailed the 25-year-old edge rusher before the season even got started. Williams was drafted as an athletic pass rusher with untapped potential. Blessed with natural skills that can’t be taught, Williams was a high-potential project former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn reportedly took a shine to in the pre-draft process.
Kneeland, drafted just last year, had an action-packed rookie season. Like Lawrence and Williams, Kneeland dealt with injuries. He still managed to get on the field for 11 games and 256 defensive snaps, but it wasn’t according to script.
On paper, Kneeland was supposed to be worked in slowly as a rookie while playing in a rotation. But the windfall of injuries across the DE group forced the undeveloped prospect into a high-use role prematurely.
Kneeland didn’t have a great rookie season, ranking 113th out of 119 in Pro Football Focus’ DE grades. He struggled in both phases of the game but flashed some special abilities that make him someone to be excited about heading into 2025.
It’s safe to say both players were drafted with starting roles in mind but unfortunately neither player has shown that ability to date.
Necessity may force these two to take over for Lawrence if No. 90 is indeed allowed to leave. The next-man-up mentality comes with a ready-or-not attitude. It may be a reckless approach but it’s the approach the Cowboys have taken in the past and one everyone should be ready for in 2025.