Why a new deal between Cowboys, DeMarcus Lawrence is a no-brainer - Todd Archer- ESPN

He was asked to back up his stellar season, he did just that, time to back up the Brinks truck and pay DeMarcus Lawrence.

Lawrence’s deal would look something like this: Five years, $100 million, $60 million guaranteed, $30 million signing bonus. In this proposed deal, Lawrence is guaranteed 60 percent of the contract. Mack is guaranteed 58 percent of his deal. Chandler Jones’ contract is 64 percent guaranteed. Melvin Ingram’s contract is 65 percent guaranteed. In addition to the $30 million signing bonus and base salaries in 2019-2021 of $5 million, $10 million and $15 million, Lawrence would receive the $60 million in guarantees in the first three seasons. If things don’t pan out, the Cowboys could get out of the deal after the third year and save $11 million in cap space. Stephen Jones likes to say if two sides want to get a deal done, it can go quickly. There is no reason for either side to make this so difficult that they test each other’s patience.

DeMarcus Lawrence will have a boring free agency because Cowboys aren't letting go-John Newby-247Sports

Let's not overthink the inevitable, you just don't let pass rushers like Tank Lawrence go. The Cowboys will sign him this offseason.

Only 26 years old, the Boise State product turned in a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2017, constantly turning heads with his production. This was truly a career year, especially after he played in all 16 games, but the Cowboys weren’t entirely convinced that it would lead to future production. Instead of signing him to an extension following the 2017 season, Dallas used the franchise tag to keep him around and see if he could repeat the feat. Lawrence didn’t top his sack total from the previous year, but he still reached double digits for the second consecutive season, finishing with 10 quarterback takedowns. He also set a career best in tackles (64) and intercepted the first pass of his career. The two forced fumbles were just the bonus on top of his standout season. Lawrence was a big reason for the Cowboys success, and he finished the season as the ninth-best edge defender in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus.

LaDainian Tomlinson says Ezekiel Elliott earned an early extension -Drew Davison-Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Rumor has it that Zeke Elliott would like to get an extension done this offseason, why not strike early, “LT” sure thinks so.

“Here’s the thing: Zeke has earned a new contract,” said Tomlinson, the Hall of Fame running back who is now an analyst on the NFL Network. “People talk about projections and how many more years can he [be productive]. It’s not about that. It’s about what the guy has earned. Zeke has led that team to two division titles in the last three years. He’s led the National Football League in rushing two years already in his short career. “To be quite honest with you, he’s done it the right way. He hasn’t been in trouble other than that one time. So I think he deserves a new contract and he deserves to be paid as one of the top players in the National Football League.”

What Would A Cole Beasley Contract Look Like?- Dallas Cowboys.com Staff

A slot receiver just earned the Super Bowl MVP, what will it take for the Cowboys to keep their slot receiver, Cole Beasley?

Then there are Edelman and Amendola, who are each playing on a two-year deal that pays them roughly $6 million a year. That hopefully clears things up a bit. Nothing is certain on the open market, but deductive reasoning suggests that Beasley’s salary might fall somewhere between $6-8 million. Given that he’ll turn 30 years old this spring, it remains to be seen how long of a deal he might get. Would the Cowboys offer him a three-year contract, $18 million? Or $20 million? If offered, would he sign it? Or is there another NFL club, flush with salary cap space, willing to make a splash? Could Cole Beasley command a four-year deal worth $26 million, or maybe even $32 million?

The Rams' big spending last offseason won't push Cowboys' Jerry Jones to pursue Earl Thomas but something more favorable-Tim Cowlishaw- SportsDay

If the Cowboys go fishing for big fish Earl Thomas in free agency, it won't be the Rams' success that fuels the motivation to spend but perhaps a price decrease?

Cowlishaw: No, I think what Jerry Jones will take as a sign to go after Earl Thomas is Earl Thomas’ injury. He was on his way to another fine season -- you saw what he did against Dallas with two interceptions -- before suffering a broken leg soon after. That will drive down his price and make him more affordable. If it doesn’t, then I think Dallas will be out. But if he can be had for something closer to a bargain rate, Jones may pursue him. I’m still skeptical. The team’s focus is going to be new deals for DeMarcus Lawrence, Amari Cooper and perhaps Byron Jones, with Dak and Zeke on the horizon. So even though the Rams were a huge player in free agency and the Patriots have been known to make big additions in free agency, the Cowboys may sit on the curb one more time.

Finding more help at defensive tackle is a must for the Cowboys this offseason- Bryan Broaddus & Rob Phillips-Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys run defense was great most of the year but ended on a sour note, it’s time for an investment on the defensive interior.

Bryan: It’s not often that you face a line like the Rams or Colts during a season. Controlling the line is one of the reasons the Cowboys were in the playoffs. With that being said I felt like they were going to have to address the position regardless. Nothing against Caraun Reid or Daniel Ross but the depth just wasn’t there especially in that playoff game. There is no doubt in my mind they won’t let that happen again.

Things the Dallas Cowboys must fix in order to get to the Super Bowl-DannyPhantom- Blogging The Boys

Part I of this series, we look at a few things to fix, how about starting with the interior defensive line?

4. Strengthen the interior of the defensive line ACTION ITEM: Will McClay and Rod Marinelli The Cowboys did a great job finding Antwaun Woods as he played way beyond what anyone could’ve expected for a guy who didn’t play a single snap in 2017. Considering his cap hit was less than half a million, what a bargain he was. Woods gave the team a solid nose tackle and played well throughout the season, but the team needs to get stronger in the trenches. The team has passed on big-bodied defensive tackles in the draft for years and it’s the one area on defense where they still remain vulnerable. The Los Angeles Rams gashed the Cowboys as both Todd Gurley and C.J. Anderson had over 100 yards rushing. The Cowboys defense just couldn’t get off the field. This is a good draft class for defensive tackles and the Cowboys might be able to find a starter on Day 2. With David Irving all but done in Dallas and Maliek Collins entering the last year of his contract, the Cowboys need to find a way to get a talented defensive tackle on this roster.

Super Bowl results were "super ironic" from the lens of a Cowboys spectator- Mickey Spagnola- Dallas Cowboys

There really is no “off” during this time of the year, even though we are several days past the Super Bowl, it's kind of ironic how it all ended, right?