The Cowboys asked defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence to take a pay cut and he refused—leading to doubt over his future with the team, according to Dallas Morning News reporter Calvin Watkins.
Lawrence is scheduled to make $19 million in 2022 after he signed a five-year, $105 million contract with $65 million guaranteed in 2019. Typically, when a player refuses a pay cut, they are moved via trade or release. The Cowboys are close to being $25 million over the cap.
The Cowboys released star edge rusher Demarcus Ware in 2014 after he refused a pay cut in a similar situation.