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Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence prepared to play under tag, franchise deadline non-issue

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence never had a problem playing the 2017 season under the franchise tag.

So the fact that the deadline for him signing a long-time deal with the Cowboys is expected to come and go at 3 p.m. today without any action is non-consequential.

Lawrence has already parlayed his breakout performance of 14.5 sacks 2017 into a $17.1 million contract in 2018, per the terms of the franchise tag.

The two sides never really got into a heavy discussion regarding a long-term contract extension because there was too much uncertainty regarding what to pay Lawrence, who had only nine sacks his first three seasons combined.