DeMarcus Lawrence had no NFL home for a short time last offseason. The longtime Dallas Cowboys edge rusher wasn't brought back. The team likely saw him as too old and too expensive. He had only played in four games in 2024, after all. As 12s all know, though, Lawrence ended up with the Seattle Seahawks.
This season, he has helped form one of the most formidable groups of edge rushers in the NFL. Lawrence has also arguably had his best season in four years. He was signed to a three-year deal, but with no guaranteed money in the final two seasons. One can assume Seattle isn't letting him walk after one season, though.
DLaw was also clear before the season in wanting to come to Seattle and leave Dallas: He wanted a chance at winning a championship. He didn't think he'd be able to do that with the Cowboys. As things turned out, Lawrence was absolutely correct in his projection.
DeMarcus Lawrence pegged the Seattle Seahawks 2025 season in texts to former Cowboys' Dez Bryant
The edge rusher also tried to recruit another former Cowboys great, wide receiver Dez Bryant. In a text message recently released by Bryant, the wide receiver admitted he was far too old to keep playing while being supportive of his former teammate. The texts also showed Lawrence was completely bought in on quarterback Sam Darnold.
Lawrence texted, "Sam gone get s*** done. He ain't going to turn the ball over and this defense going to take the league by storm. Watch bruh."
While not totally correct, the edge rusher came as close to predicting what the Seahawks would do in 2025 as anyone. Darnold did lead the NFL in turnovers, but he also played brilliantly otherwise. The reason Seattle is going to the Super Bowl and giving Lawrence and fellow veteran Leonard Williams their best chance at winning a championship is that the Seahawks are a complete team.
Seattle couldn't have used Dez Bryant as the once-great receiver wouldn't have been productive, but general manager John Schneider did sign another important veteran, Cooper Kupp. Kupp's leadership was as important as his on-field statistics. That is part of the reason Seattle was special.
While overall, the Seattle Seahawks have a youthful roster, Schneider was smart enough to know exactly which hungry veterans, who were also great leaders, to acquire. One of those was DeMarcus Lawrence, and the team and the player are almost certainly appreciative of their chance to win a Super Bowl against the New England Patriots on February 8.