New York Jets: Hold on with the DeMarcus Lawrence dreams

It was recently announced that DeMarcus Lawrence does not intend to sign the franchise tag again. New York Jets fans, don’t get too excited yet.

How great would it be for the New York Jets to add DeMarcus Lawrence in free agency? Could you imagine adding a cornerstone piece like that? The defense would instantly be, at a minimum, a top-15 defense.

Think about it. Over the last two seasons he has posted 25 total sacks. His average has been 12.5 sacks per year over those two seasons. When did the Jets have a guy that could put up those types of numbers? To put it mildly, it has been a long time.

What if that chance became real? Recently, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reported that Lawrence is not going to sign the franchise tag a second straight time. So what’s next?

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The Jets will get their shot, right? They have lots of cap space. They have a dire need at edge pass rusher. Finally, the cards are aligning for the Jets, right?

Right?

Not so fast. Slow down a little, everyone.

Remember, just because he doesn’t sign the tag doesn’t mean he won’t sign a long-term deal.

The Cowboys get first dibs on the guy. Keep in mind the legal tampering period. Prior to outside teams getting to negotiate with him, the current team gets their shot.

Meaning, there is a good chance that Lawrence will sign a long-term deal with the Cowboys before the Jets even get the chance to have a conversation with him.

After all, according to Jerry Jones the relationship between the team and Lawrence is just fine:

"“None,” Jones said when asked if there was any discontent, via the Dallas Morning News. “There’s just absolutely none, as far as I’m concerned. It’s one of the best relationships I have or ever had with a player. The relationship is outstanding.”"

So the Cowboys still feel good about this player. Lawrence makes such an impact, why would the Cowboys want to let him go anyway?

Three free agents to let go. dark. Next

Let’s take it even further. What if Lawrence does get the opportunity to test the market? Now the Jets get their shot. With all that money, he gets to put on the green and white, no?

Not necessarily. First of all, testing the market could just be a method of obtaining leverage to go back to the Cowboys. If he can squeeze a few more dollars out of them, more power to him. Becoming a free agent might not really change anything.

What if he leaves the Cowboys? He may not want to play for a team that just won four games. Lawrence could choose another team that has a bunch of money.

He could come here, but just don’t get too excited, yet.

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