Dallas Cowboys news update. The Cowboys were at an impasse with defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence during contract negotiations. This prompted the team to use its franchise tag on Lawrence for the second consecutive season.

After the Cowboys used the tag on Lawrence, there were reports that both sides were not close in terms of agreeing on a new deal. The news led many to speculate that Lawrence might opt not to sign the tender and sit out the entire 2019 season like Pittsburgh’s Le’Veon Bell did last season. Of course, this after the Steelers tagged him for the second consecutive year.

Fortunately for the Cowboys and their fans, they were able to come to terms on a long-term deal with Lawrence and they can now turn their attention to resigning quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott.

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According to ESPN, Lawrence signed a five-year $105 million deal with the Cowboys with $65 million guaranteed. This, paying him more than the $20.5 million he would have received under the franchise tag. The $65 million guaranteed is the fourth most given to a defensive player.

Stephen Jones, the team’s executive vice president, said the breakthrough in the negotiations came on Thursday after he had a conversation with Lawrence over the phone. If both sides had been unable to come to an agreement. Lawrence was expected to skip all offseason activities and possibly the regular season.

Last year Lawrence earned $17.1 million under the franchise tag and finished with 10.5 sacks. A year after leading the team with 14.5 sacks.

The Cowboys are hoping the Pro Bowler, who became the first Cowboys player to have double-digit sacks in consecutive seasons since DeMarcus Ware did it in 2011 and 2012. Continues to dominate offensive lines and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Only time will tell.