The Dallas Cowboys have officially signed first-round pick edge Malachi Lawrence on June 5, making him the final member of the team's 2026 NFL draft class to sign his rookie contract.

“Dallas Cowboys and first-round pick Malachi Lawrence reached an agreement today on a four-year, fully guaranteed $20.22 million deal, per the WinSportsGroup,” Adam Schefter's X post reported.

Lawrence's contract includes an $11.2M signing bonus and a fifth-year team option that must be exercised before his fourth season, according to Field Level Media.

Before this contract, the 23rd overall pick of the 2026 NFL draft was the only member of the Cowboys' rookie class unsigned until late May. 

He was projected to a four-year, $19.428M fully guaranteed, including a projection of a $10.59M signing bonus, according to Spotrac.

Lawrence was part of the rookie group selected lower in the first round (No. 22-32) of the draft class. And their signings were stalled due to restrictions set by the league’s CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement).

The rules determine how much each rookie can make, including guaranteed money based on their draft position, according to Kurt Daniels of the Dallas Cowboys.com

The Cowboys previously signed first-round pick (No. 11), Caleb Downs, to a four-year, fully guaranteed $28.95M rookie contract. 

While the Cowboys were pleased with both the addition of Lawrence and the completion of their rookie contract negotiations, fans were divided over the terms of Lawrence’s deal. 

Fans Divided Over Malachi Lawrence's Rookie Contract 

While the Cowboys finally got their first-round pick under contract, not all fans agreed on the deal, questioning whether it's a smart investment or an overpay for a rookie.

One fan noted the confidence the Cowboys placed in Lawrence in signing him early with a hefty contract. 

“Cowboys locking in their first-rounder early. Four years, fully guaranteed - that's trust in Malachi Lawrence from day one.”

Another fan heaved a sigh of relief to get all the negotiations done before the training camp.

“Huge relief to get this signed before training camp kicks off. There was zero doubt it would get done, but it's great to see the dominoes finally falling for the late first-rounders. Time to get to work!”

One fan posted a mixed comment, acknowledging that such huge deals come with high expectations for a first-round pick.

“A full guaranteed $20.22M deal before playing a single NFL snap. The expectations are massive, but that's the price that comes with being a first-round pick. Cowboys fans will be hoping Malachi Lawrence is worth every dollar.”

Another fan criticized the rookie signing when they failed to retain their star pass rusher, Micah Parsons. 

“This just shows Jerry Jones will pay anyone but Micah Parsons.”

One fan raised questions about whether Lawrence could be the pass-rush help the Cowboys needed, given a critical need at the pass-rush position after trading Micah Parsons. 

“Another rookie signed and ready for camp. Now let's see if Lawrence can become the pass rusher this defense needs.” 

As the deal is completed, the attention will be on Lawrence to justify the Cowboys' investment once he takes the field.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi