Less than two weeks after describing remaining Dallas as a "glorious" idea, Demarcus Lawrence is packing his bags.
The free agent defensive end is signing a three-year deal worth up to $42 million with the Seattle Seahawks, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported on Wednesday. The deal includes $18 million guaranteed.
Lawrence had spent his entire pro career with the Cowboys after Dallas made him the 34th pick of the 2014 draft, but at 32 years old, it seemed as if Lawrence might finally consider another home away from the team that franchise tagged him twice in the past and handed him a five-year, $105 million deal back in 2019. At the beginning of March, Lawrence claimed the ball was in the Cowboys' court, adding "I'm not only going to play in Dallas."
Less than two weeks later, his prophecy came true. Lawrence leaves the Cowboys to join a Seahawks defense on the rise, jumping from a 30th-place finish in total yards allowed in 2023 all the way up to 14th in their first year under defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald. After sweeping changes on the offensive side, Macdonald's defense might need to become Seattle's backbone in 2025, explaining their willingness to sign a 32-year-old veteran to an affordable, but relatively lengthy deal.
As Lawrence trades Cowboys silver and blue for Seahawks blue and action green, he'll bring with him four Pro Bowl selections, 61.5 career sacks, 450 career tackles (including 97 for loss) and 126 quarterback hits. He's remained steady over his 11 NFL seasons and after missing 13 games in 2024 -- rendering the $20.4 million dedicated to him by Dallas all but useless -- he'll aim to get back on track in Seattle.