Breaking down the Dallas Cowboys 2019 defensive end depth chart

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a sack during the third quarter of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a sack during the third quarter of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

DeMarcus Lawrence

DeMarcus Lawrence was a hot topic during the offseason as he and the team were haggling over his new contract. Things got ugly as Lawrence’s side was telling him to demand a trade and hold off surgery and the Dallas side was pinching pennies.

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In the end, they agreed to a five-year deal which keeps the team’s top sack artist in town throughout his prime. With back-to-back seasons with double-digit sacks, Lawrence has emerged as one of the best in the game.

What really sets him apart is how complete he is as a player. Defensive ends will always be judged for how many sacks they produce, but Lawrence does so much more than that. He’s going to be out there getting the dirty work done as he can shut down the run as well as anyone at the position.

The one thing that could slow him down in 2019 is his recent shoulder surgery. Lawrence elected not to get the deal done until after his contract was done — which was the one chip he had that prompted Dallas to get the deal done quickly.

He’s adamant that he won’t miss time, and he’s not someone to bet against. Still, the recovery time puts him out until after the season starts — but at least he will be there for the majority of the season. And for once, the roster looks as though they can handle a week or two without him.