DeMarcus Lawrence has officially taken his talents to the Pacific Northwest, signing a three-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks after a notable 11-year stint with the Dallas Cowboys. According to reports, Lawrence’s new deal includes $18 million guaranteed, with the potential to reach a maximum value of $42 million. For the Seahawks, this acquisition comes at a crucial time as they look to bolster their defensive front following the release of Dre’Mont Jones.
With the Seahawks aiming to fortify their edge-rushing game, this move signals a shift as they explore options to enhance their defense. Discussions are also ongoing with outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu about restructuring his contract, which currently carries a weighty $21 million cap hit. Bringing in Lawrence adds both experience and skill to the lineup, addressing a pressing need on the defensive edge.
This reunion with the Seahawks isn’t just about fresh starts; it comes with familiar faces. Lawrence will be working again with Aden Durde, who was his defensive line coach in Dallas before joining Seattle to take on the role of defensive coordinator under Mike Macdonald. Having that established rapport could provide Lawrence with a jumpstart as he adjusts to his new environment.
However, Lawrence’s previous season was marred by injury, limiting him to just four games in 2024 due to a right midfoot sprain sustained against the New York Giants. He was placed on injured reserve, and given the Cowboys’ lackluster finish at 7-10, it was understandable that returning to play wasn’t a priority. In those four games, he managed to compile 14 tackles, 3 sacks, and 8 quarterback pressures—an impressive tally, albeit in a limited sample size.
At 32, Lawrence has built a reputation as one of the more versatile defensive ends in the league, known for his prowess against both the run and the pass. He previously inked the largest contract ever awarded to a defensive player in Cowboys history—five years for $105 million guaranteed—after back-to-back standout seasons where he recorded 14.5 and 10.5 sacks. Yet, the pressure has been on to deliver more in the sack column, as he hasn’t exceeded 6.5 sacks in any season since that lucrative deal.
Nonetheless, coaches have consistently praised Lawrence for his impact beyond just sacks. When excluding the injury-riddled seasons of 2021 and 2024, Lawrence showcased his ability to disrupt plays with at least 36 pressures and six tackles for loss in healthier years.
Over his impressive 11-year NFL career, Lawrence has accumulated 61.5 sacks, making him a formidable presence on the field. As he gears up for this new challenge with the Seahawks, the hope is that he can rekindle his previous form and be an anchor on their defensive line. With Lawrence now in the fold, the Seahawks are surely looking to enhance their defensive identity as they prepare for the upcoming season.
