Some players are going to make a team simply by their presence. Few players in Seattle Seahawks history, if any at all, had more of an immediate impact on the field and on the culture of the team than Marshawn Lynch. He was a physical menace to other teams, but a wise and logical voice in the locker room.
The same is likely true of 2025 free agent acquisition DeMarcus Lawrence. The edge rusher has spent 11 years in the NFL, all with the Dallas Cowboys before this season, and has made four Pro Bowls. When healthy, he is going to be good.
He fits the role of head coach Mike Macdonald’s defense that Jadeveon Clowney did with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 when Macdonald was the defensive coordinator. Lawrence, like Clowney, is good at getting quarterback pressure, but excels at setting a hard edge against the run, too.
DeMarcus Lawrence making an impact for the Seattle Seahawks on and off the field
Last season was Lawrence’s worst-grade year of his career, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), but he played in only four games. That is too small a sample size to believe the 33-year-old player will suddenly digress in productivity.
But on-field excellence is not the only value Lawrence brings to his new team. As with Marshawn Lynch, the edge rusher experience is paying off with his fellow players. He has worked closely with Derick Hall this offseason, and Hall has raved about the older player’s wisdom.
Jarran Reed has noticed the relationship as well, saying Hall is playing faster and more aggressively since Lawrence joined the team. As a rookie two years ago, Hall was far too often slow to react to what was happening in front of him on the field. Last year, he was better with quarterback pressure, but not great against the run.
This season promises to be different as Lawrence is showing Hall how to be his best. Last season, Hall and Reed had a bit of a blow-up during a game as Hall overreacted to a penalty. The most was not one of the Seahawks’ best, but with Lawrence around, Hall might play much more under control.
Of course, on the field greatness is going to matter most for DeMarcus Lawrence. He is only two years removed from back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons. He will be a great fit in the Seattle Seahawks’ scheme. If he stays healthy, he is going to have a huge impact, and, most likely, another Pro Bowl season.
