Image Credits - Sky Sports
Earlier on Sunday, reports claimed that defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence declined to accept a pay cut with the Dallas Cowboys casting doubt over his future at the franchise.
Last season, the Dallas Cowboys assembled a team that certainly had a shot of winning, if not, reaching the Super Bowl. However, Mike McCarthy’s side fell short against the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card Round and ended their campaign rather prematurely.
As their 2021 season led to the Cowboys falling short of expectations, they are making a few changes to their roster heading into 2022. And some big names may have to bear the brunt for that.
According to reports, two-time Pro Bowler DeMarcus Lawrence was told by the team to take a pay cut. However, the 29-year-old has refused to do so, leaving his future at the franchise in jeopardy.
DeMarcus Lawrence is set to make a whopping $19 million in 2022, giving him the second-highest salary on the Dallas Cowboys roster. But the NFC East Division giants requested him to take a pay cut which Lawrence refused. Now, it remains to be seen whether the Cowboys veteran will remain with the team for the 2022 campaign.
Lawrence played only seven games for the Cowboys in 2021 due to a broken foot. But while he was on the field, he was impressive. In fact, some of the members in the Cowboys dressing room consider Lawrence to be the team’s defensive leader, having been with the franchise for 8 years.
Lawrence signed a five-year contract extension worth $105 million in 2019, and if he is cut loose by Dallas, the DE would also be a strong target on the open market. So far, Lawrence has 48.5 sacks, 100 quarterback hits, 17 forced fumbles, and 321 tackles for the Cowboys in the NFL. But the decision to release Lawrence could still be for the benefit of the franchise altogether.
The Cowboys are currently around $21.5 million over the cap for next season. So the team needs to ensure they free up space on the roster or see that certain players take pay cuts. Reports claim that the Cowboys are also on the verge of parting ways with Amari Cooper and his $20 million salary in the near future.
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