The Dallas Cowboys have assigned the franchise tag to pass-rushing specialist DeMarcus Lawrence for a second straight year.
The team and Lawrence are continuing negotiations on a long-term contract with Lawrence, who will turn 27 next month.
The former Boise State standout has made the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons, notching team-leading totals of 14½ sacks in 2017 and 10½ sacks last season.
The franchise tag enables the Cowboys and Lawrence until July 15 to hammer out a new contract. Lawrence doesn’t want to play under the tag for a second-straight season. And a failure to reach an agreement could lead to an extended walkout by Lawrence once training camp begins.
The Dallas Morning Newsreports that Lawrence made $17.1 million last season. His new contract is expected to pay him at least $20 million a year.
