Cowboys mailbag: Questions on DeMarcus Lawrence, defensive tackle, and Tyler Lockett

Here is our latest Dallas Cowboys mailbag.

Every week, we take questions on X (Twitter) and Facebook about Dallas Cowboys players and other issues surrounding the team. So let’s get right into it.

“Has there been any indication they are working on a Tank [DeMarcus Lawrence] deal?”

(@RogSnwnm on X)

Mike: A lot of rumor has swirled around Lawrence and whether he’ll get a contract extension. Tried asking some folks in Dallas on this one and they are drawing a blank as well. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen, plus asking these sort of questions this time of year is always shrouded in mystery. Lawrence is a big team leader and a great mentor to the younger guys. Going against him, however, is the fact he will be 33 years of age when the season starts. For defensive linemen that’s the age when things seriously drop off and the risk of injury goes up. The silence and very little information on what the team want to do with Tank is a big tell that they are trying to figure out this very difficult decision.

Dana: There hasn’t been anything definitive on whether or not the Cowboys are actively working to resign DeMarcus Lawrence. However, Lawrence has been vocal about wanting to stay in Dallas and noted that the “ball is in their court”.

He also mentioned that he would have other options, and that is likely very true. There are plenty of teams that could be interested in paying a higher price for a player like Lawrence, the Commanders likely being one of them. The Cowboys have done some work to free up some cap space but it is unclear if they would be willing to get into a bidding war for the 12-year veteran.

“What do you think about adding a DT in FA? Javon Hargrave, maybe?”

(@TheRealPapos on X)

Mike: The recent contract extension of Osa Odighizuwa slightly puts the inside defensive line need lower. It’s still a need since as it stands there’s only Mazi Smith and Justin Rogers (both nose tackles) playing on the inside defensive line. Signing a free agent defensive tackle would help free up priorities in the draft but these guys aren’t cheap.

Signing Javon Hargrave could bolster the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line, leveraging his proven track record as a disruptive interior pass rusher, with 11 sacks in 2022, and seven sacks in 2023 his production is solid. However, at 32 years old, his age raises concerns about declining performance and injury risk, especially given his limited play in 2024, and his salary expectations of around $21 million per year could strain Dallas’ newly acquired $54 million cap space, potentially limiting flexibility for other key signings.

Dana: The two-time Pro-Bowler could be an excellent addition to the middle of the defensive line and can bolster the DT room along side Osa Odighizuwa. He has been a very good player throughout his career, however he only played a few games last season after suffering a triceps injury. As always with the Cowboys’ front office, the price has to be right. I don’t see the Cowboys pulling the trigger if the price tag is anywhere near Odighizuwa’s. However, his former DC is now on the Cowboys’ staff so they may just surprise me.

“What do you think Tyler Locket would command $ and any chance of him landing in Dallas”

(@seantacoma on X)

Mike: Signing Tyler Lockett could boost the Dallas Cowboys’ offense, leveraging his proven reliability as a wide receiver with 8,594 career yards and 61 touchdowns, offering a strong complement to CeeDee Lamb and familiarity with head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s system, potentially enhancing Dak Prescott and the passing game.

However, at 32 years old, Lockett’s recent performance slump where he produced 600 yards and only two touchdowns in 2024, and his salary expectations where in Seattle he commands an average salary of $14 million per year, pose significant issues. Essentially, his age and injury concerns limit his value. Looking at the prospects the Cowboys had formal interviews with at the Scouting Combine, it’s fair to say this is where the next WR2 will come from to replace Brandin Cooks.

Dana: As Tyler Lockett is now a 32 year old WR in the NFL and his production has been on the decline, his price tag shouldn’t be one that will break the bank. Although he isn’t the same WR he once was, he could add a lot of value to this Cowboys’ offense along side CeeDee Lamb. While signing Lockett wouldn’t solve all of the needs in the WR room, the Cowboys need a player to help shoulder some of the load and take some pressure off of Lamb. Lockett could potentially be that guy. It is never clear what the Cowboys will do in free agency, but Lockett has pretty strong ties to the head coach in Dallas and that may increase the chances of him becoming a Cowboy. Brian Schottenheimer was his offensive coordinator in Seattle for three years. His veteran leadership and familiarity with the offense could make Lockett a very valuable addition to this Cowboys offense in 2025.