How does placing the franchise tag on DeMarcus Lawrence affect the Cowboys’ present and future? Todd Archer writes on just that.
Without question, the Cowboys’ defense is better with Lawrence. He had a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2017. The coaches credited him with 52 quarterback pressures, a staggering figure not seen by a Cowboys pass-rusher since Hall of Famer Charles Haley was credited with 52 in 1994.
Lawrence’s effectiveness goes to the running game, too. He had six tackles for loss, which was the most among the team’s defensive linemen.