The NFL combine is the first big league event of the offseason. Many teams use it as a backdrop to negotiate deals with pending free agents and their representatives. Hopefully, the Dallas Cowboys will do the same and clarify their position on pending free agents.

With positive momentum surrounding the return of Osa Odighizuwa, it sounds like today could start the dominoes of determining which veterans will return for Brian Schottenheimer’s first season as head coach. It is being reported that David Canter, the agent who represents DeMarcus Lawrence, will meet with the team in Indianapolis.

From Odighizuwa’s side, there has been confidence from his camp that he can remain in Dallas as well. In all, momentum is pushing from both sides to keep the UCLA product with the only NFL team he has known.

The timing is crucial, as the Cowboys will continue their ongoing conversations on Friday with David Canter, the agent of impending free agents defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, running back Rico Dowdle, cornerback Jourdan Lewis and defensive end Chauncey Golston.

Harris also points out that Canter represents not only the Cowboys’ longest-tenured player but also a few other key free agents: Rico Dowdle, Jourdan Lewis, and Chauncey Golston. Dowdle, Lewis and Golston had big years and could command more money than Dallas is willing to spend.

Odighizuwa is the ‘big fish’ from Dallas’ class of free agents and will likely command the most money. Still, it shouldn’t be overlooked how much Lawrence’s return might benefit the team, given his continued leadership in the locker room and mentorship to younger players. On Thursday, Schottenheimer spoke with the media about acquiring players through free agency and mentioned the importance of looking at their “own roster first” and figuring out who from their free agent class would be “cornerstone” players.

It seems that Lawrence’s agent understands the number he and Tank have in mind to ensure he remains a member of the Cowboys, especially if he is indeed a cornerstone player for the franchise.

“I’m optimistic in our conversations with the Cowboys that they’re very aware of what it will take to keep DeMarcus a Cowboy,” Canter said to 105.3 The Fan. “Honestly, that’s up to them. It’s not up to us. There’s a number. That number gets done and DeMarcus is wearing 90 and running back on the field.”

The Cowboys have been criticized for handling contracts and for waiting until the last minute to get things done. With the sheer volume of free agents, they might not have the luxury of time on their side, especially with the new league year starting in a few weeks. There is also the question of whether Micah Parsons will get a new record-setting contract this offseason.

Canter is very aware of how solving those problems can have a trickle-down effect. Knowing the current salary cap number and where the dollars will be allocated in 2025-2026 makes deals much easier to complete.

“Free agency and building your roster, it’s not just go get Micah Parsons extended,” he said. “If we get him extended, what does that do to the rest of the roster? It’s not just go pay Osa a big deal. What does that do to Chauncey? What does that do to Jourdan? What does that do to free agents? How do you kick money down the road with the Dak or CeeDee deals? What does that do to the running back position?”

Playing devil’s advocate, could there be a scenario without Lawrence in Dallas for next season? When they drafted Marshawn Kneeland in the second round last year, it became evident that he could be Lawrence’s successor. The front office could re-sign Golston to a long-term deal rather than opt for a one-year contract with the veteran pass rusher. Golston is younger and could continue to build on his career-high of 5.5 sacks. Lawrence’s return might hinder their development.

If the Cowboys have a potential framework for a new deal with Odighizuwa in place, they can enter Friday’s discussion with a clear idea of what they are willing to offer Lawrence and the other three free agents represented by Canter. Lawrence is the last tether to the 2014 dream team. If last season was the end of his time in Dallas, it will truly signal a new era. We should have answers soon enough.