Significant roster changes are anticipated this offseason for the Cowboys, although the full extent of these shifts remains uncertain. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that Dallas is not expected to re-sign standout pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence as he heads toward free agency.
“Looking ahead, Dallas will have cap concerns in 2025, but these can largely be managed through restructures of Prescott and CeeDee Lamb’s contracts, along with a possible extension for Parsons,” Graziano noted in his November 13, 2024, article, “NFL Week 11 Latest Buzz, Predictions, Questions, Fantasy Tips.” “The Cowboys will need to address wide receiver, running back, offensive line, and multiple defensive spots in the offseason.”
“Veterans like Lawrence, guard Zack Martin, and receiver Brandin Cooks are set to be free agents and are likely on their way out. Dallas rarely goes for a complete rebuild, but this offseason might bring a substantial retooling,” Graziano added.
Lawrence, previously on a five-year, $105 million contract, agreed to a restructured deal in 2023. The Pro Bowl pass rusher is currently in the last season of a three-year, $40 million contract.
The Cowboys May Need to Move on From Lawrence and Other Veterans to Retain Micah Parsons
Dallas Cowboys star DeMarcus Lawrence will enter free agency in 2025.
This season has been challenging for Lawrence, who landed on Injured Reserve with a Lisfranc injury. Prior to this setback in 2024, Lawrence had started all 17 games for two consecutive seasons. This year, he has managed to play only four games, following a 2023 season in which he posted 50 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 8 quarterback hits, 4 sacks, and a forced fumble.
Dallas recently extended contracts for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, with Micah Parsons next in line for a lucrative deal. This financial reality means veterans like Lawrence, Brandin Cooks, and Zack Martin are unlikely to return, as the Cowboys look for ways to cut costs, according to Graziano.
Cowboys Projected to Draft Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty
The Cowboys’ recent struggles have positioned them for a potential top-10 pick in the upcoming draft. Heading into Week 11, Dallas is projected to select at No. 11 in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sports Illustrated’s Daniel Flick has predicted that the Cowboys will draft Heisman candidate Ashton Jeanty from Boise State in his latest mock draft. After bypassing the running back position in the 2024 offseason, Dallas may finally add a star back with Jeanty.
In the first nine games of 2024, Jeanty accumulated 224 carries for 1,734 yards and 23 touchdowns, delivering video game-like stats.
“The Cowboys have major weaknesses, from stadium issues to their roster,” Flick wrote in his November 13 piece, “2025 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: First-Round Predictions for Every Team.” “While Jeanty may not fix everything, he could help address the league’s second-worst rushing offense. Dallas has only scored three rushing touchdowns as a team.”
“To put it in perspective, Jeanty has scored three or more rushing touchdowns in five separate games this season. Leading the nation in rushing yards by over 400, Jeanty has averaged 7.7 yards per carry with a nation-best 23 touchdowns.”
