Seahawks’ Macdonald expects DeMarcus Lawrence back for ’26

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said the current expectation is that five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence will return for his age-34 season in 2026.

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ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported last month that Lawrence was considering retirement after winning the first Super Bowl of his decorated 12-year career.

“To my knowledge, he’s coming back,” Macdonald said while speaking to reporters Monday morning at the NFL’s annual league meeting in Phoenix, according to Seahawks.com’s John Boyle.

“He always has the right to change his mind, but as of right now, he’s coming back.”

Lawrence still has two years left on the three-year contract he signed with Seattle last March, which is worth up to $42 million. Lawrence had $5 million of his $8.15 million salary for 2026 became guaranteed on Feb. 13, according to Over The Cap.

Lawrence, who spent his first 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, was one of the most impactful players on the Seahawks’ top-ranked scoring defense this past season.

During the regular season, he filled the stat sheet with 6.0 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and two fumble return touchdowns. He then added 2.0 sacks and three forced fumbles during Seattle’s postseason run.

With his physical 6-foot-3, 254-pound frame, Lawrence played a massive role in the Seahawks’ elite run defense, which allowed a league-low 3.7 yards per carry. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked No. 2 out of 119 edge rushers in run defense grading.

Lawrence also was an invaluable leader who Macdonald praised multiple times during the offseason for his work ethic and intensity in practice.

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