Cowboys, Lawrence run out of time, not close on deal

The Dallas Cowboys and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence are running out of time to work out a long-term deal and are "not close" as a March 5 deadline looms, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Clarence E. Hill Jr. If the Cowboys don't reach an agreement by Tuesday, the deadline for franchise tags, they may be forced to use that option to keep him -- albeit at a hefty price tag.

The Cowboys tagged Lawrence last season and he made $17.1 million. This year, under the franchise tag, he would earn $20.5 million. The following year under the tag would be worth nearly $30 million.

But much like Le'Veon Bell in Pittsburgh, who was tagged two years in a row, Lawrence, 26, has been clear in his desire not to play under the franchise tag. Lawrence is reportedly seeking a multi-year deal worth upward of that $20.5 million tag amount. The Star-Telegram also reported that if he does not receive an extension, he likely will skip the offseason program, minicamps, and perhaps training camp and some regular season games. He also could delay the shoulder surgery he needs.

The past two seasons, Lawrence has a combined 25 sacks, 49 quarterback hits and 122 tackles. The Cowboys selected the Boise State product in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. 

(With inputs from agencies.)