Demarcus Lawrence, Cowboys Agree to New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reac

After the best season of his career, the Dallas Cowboys have placed the franchise tag on defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the team was trying to complete a long-term deal but won't get it done before Tuesday's deadline to use the franchise tag.

According to OverTheCap.com, a defensive end could make just under $17 million on a one-year tender under the franchise tag.

Lawrence finished tied for second in the NFL with 14.5 sacks this year, adding 58 tackles and four forced fumbles. He tallied at least one sack in each of the first seven games of the season.

This breakout year comes after a disappointing first three seasons following his second-round selection in the 2014 NFL draft. 

The 25-year-old only had nine total sacks in three years, missing 16 total games in this stretch. He was suspended for four games at the start of 2016 for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, while multiple back injuries also kept him off the field.

While he showed flashes of his potential in his first few years, Lawrence finally put it all together in 2017 as he became one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL.

By using the franchise tag, the Cowboys could either negotiate a long-term deal or let him play on a one-year tender. This could force him to prove that the past season wasn't a fluke before earning a larger contract.

Either way, the move keeps Lawrence for at least next season, which is key for Dallas' chances of contending in 2018.

With a young secondary expected to improve after getting extra reps this past year and a key pass-rusher back in the fold, the Cowboys should be able to improve its 11th-ranked pass defense from 2017. If the rest of the team stays healthy, the squad should be back in contention after a disappointing 9-7 year.