Report: DeMarcus Lawrence Refuses to Take a Pay Cut

Lawrence is scheduled to make $19 million in 2022.

The Cowboys asked defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence to take a pay cut and he refused—leading to doubt over his future with the team, according to Dallas Morning News reporter Calvin Watkins.  

Lawrence is scheduled to make $19 million in 2022 after he signed a five-year, $105 million contract with $65 million guaranteed in ’19. Typically, when a player refuses a pay cut, they are moved via trade or release. The Cowboys are close to being $25 million over the cap. 

The Cowboys released star edge rusher DeMarcus Ware in 2014 after he refused a pay cut in a similar situation. Ware went on to join Denver, where he won a Super Bowl.

Lawrence is a star edge rusher but only appeared in seven games this past season due to a broken bone in his foot. He managed to log three sacks and a pick-six in his limited time on the field. 

Lawrence wants to stay in Dallas, per Watkins, but it remains to be seen if the Cowboys can afford him.  

• Cowboys Maven: ESPN Analyst Takes Shot at Cowboys WR Amari Cooper

For more Cowboys news, head over to Cowboys Maven.