Cowboys finalize rookie deals, agree terms with first-rounder Malachi Lawrence

The Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms with first-round edge rusher Malachi Lawrence on Friday on a four-year, $20.22 million rookie deal that includes a team option for a fifth season. The agreement makes Lawrence the final member of the Cowboys’ 2024 draft class to reach terms, leaving all of Dallas’ picks under contract ahead of the 2024 campaign. His agents said the club will have to decide on the optional fifth year before Lawrence’s fourth NFL season.

Lawrence was one of two first-round selections by Dallas this year, joining safety Caleb Downs in a rookie group the organization expects to strengthen the defense in 2024 and in the seasons to come. Getting both first-rounders under contract allows the Cowboys to shift attention to on-field integration and depth-chart competition as preparations ramp up for the new season.

The terms align with the figures reported for first-round contracts, and the structure provides Dallas cost certainty in the near term while preserving flexibility through the fifth-year option. With Lawrence’s deal in place, the team’s draft class is fully accounted for, removing a potential administrative hurdle before the start of full-team work.

Dallas has emphasized internal development on defense, and adding two first-round defenders underscores that approach. The club will look for early contributions while managing the typical learning curve that accompanies rookies transitioning into professional systems and workloads.

Cowboys’ rookie class locked in

Contract structure and roster planning

Having every draft pick under contract before the season simplifies roster planning and ensures the coaching staff can focus on installing schemes without contract distractions. Lawrence’s four-year agreement, with the club’s option for a fifth season, gives Dallas a defined window to evaluate his progress before committing to a longer-term horizon.

Defensive impact and expectations

Dallas will expect Lawrence to contribute to the pass rush rotation while growing his role over time. Alongside Downs, the pair represents significant investment on the defensive side of the ball, and the organization is counting on their development to raise the unit’s ceiling in 2024 and beyond.

With all rookies under contract, attention turns to offseason work and camp, where roles will take shape. Dallas will monitor how quickly Lawrence and the rest of the class adapt to the pro level as the team prepares for the 2024 season.