Tank's Last Hurrah?

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys and edge DeMarcus Lawrence have enjoyed a mostly beneficial partnership through his 10 seasons with the team.

Lawrence remains one of the few players on the current roster who experienced the transition from the end of the Tony Romo days to the era of Dak Prescott.

Needless to say, "Tank" has contributed a great deal to the Cowboys and has taken on different roles for this team.

First he was the young star who broke out with 55 tackles and eight sacks in 2015. He then donned the persona of the "war daddy" head man of the "Hot Boyz" back in 2018. And now? This may be Lawrence's Last Stand.

Jokes and monikers aside, Lawrence at mid-career became the focal point of the Dallas defense, proving himself a leader for the Cowboys on the field and in the locker room. The arrival of Micah Parsons changed the dynamic of this defense abruptly, yet Lawrence never sulked and has embraced a new role as an anchor on this team without most of the spotlight on him.

Seth Wenig, AP Photo

But with the 2024 season on the horizon and Lawrence entering the final year of his deal, the Cowboys may turn to a more cost-effective option on the edge of their defensive line.

Lawrence will represent a $20 million hit on the cap this season. If he continues at a high level through his 11th season, his services will remain at a significant price.

Dallas' handlings to date of the Prescott and CeeDee Lamb contract saga shows a leaning toward going a cheaper route and starting over or using that money elsewhere. That "elsewhere" is none other than Mr. Parsons himself.

Let's be clear, losing Prescott is not ideal, watching Lamb head for greener pastures might be a worse venture. However, Parsons remains the guy they really have to ensure long term. He is one of the few players in the league who controls with the game with his presence alone and that pay day is fast approaching.

Additionally, the Cowboys have excelled at scoring on prospects on the edge. ... Parsons being one with Sam Williams blossoming despite some rough spots. ... and the team investing a second-round pick Marshawn Kneeland. This without accounting for other playmakers who have departed in recent years.

It's hard to tag the value Lawrence has shown throughout his tenure beyond his on-field production. In 2024, he likely continues to play the same role that has allowed Parsons to emerge while keeping this defense among the elite groups in the league.

But when the 2025 offseason rolls around, if this franchise commits to a "Blow It Up/Remodel,'' as our Mike Fisher has called it, and wants to secure Parsons, a bittersweet separation could be in order for the Cowboys and Lawrence, who if he wishes even at the wrong side of 30 would surely find a new role in a different production.