Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence during an NFL game.
The Seattle Seahawks appear to have some clarity, at least for now, on DeMarcus Lawrence retirement news.
During a Monday media session, Seattle coach Mike Macdonald said “nothing has changed” regarding the team’s older veterans potentially returning, then added that, to his knowledge, Lawrence is coming back. Macdonald also noted Lawrence still has the right to change his mind. The update matters because Lawrence’s future had already become a real offseason question in Seattle.
John Boyle
Macdonald when asked if the older vets are all planning on returning (in other words not retiring): “Nothing has changed there.” Asked about D-Law specifically: “To my knowledge he’s coming back. He always has the right to change his mind, but as of right now he’s coming back.”
Earlier this offseason, ESPN Seahawks reporter Brady Henderson said on Seattle Sports that Lawrence’s future was “a very real question,” adding that people in the veteran defender’s camp were still unsure whether he would return. That made Macdonald’s latest comments more than routine coach-speak; they offered the clearest sign yet that Seattle is operating as if Lawrence will be back.
Why DeMarcus Lawrence’s future became a real Seahawks question
The retirement chatter did not come out of nowhere.
Lawrence is entering the later stage of his career, and Henderson previously pointed to several reasons retirement was at least plausible: Lawrence’s age, family considerations and the fact that he had just helped the Seahawks win the Super Bowl. Those are the kinds of circumstances that naturally trigger questions about whether a veteran defender wants one more season or the ideal ending.
Macdonald had already acknowledged that possibility at the NFL scouting combine in February. At that time, he said retirement is always something teams consider with players this deep into their careers, but added that Lawrence had not indicated to Seattle that he was done. Monday’s comments were more direct: as of now, the Seahawks expect him back.
How Lawrence got to Seattle in the first place
Lawrence joined Seattle last offseason as one of the team’s biggest veteran additions.
NFL Network reported in March 2025 that the longtime Cowboys edge rusher agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $42 million, including $18 million guaranteed. Seattle added him to bring proven toughness, pass-rush credibility and veteran experience to Macdonald’s front.
His departure from Dallas also came with some edge. After leaving the Cowboys, Lawrence said, “I know for sure I’m not going to win a Super Bowl there,” a comment that drew plenty of attention at the time and looked even louder after Seattle finished the job.
That history is part of why the retirement questions carried weight. Lawrence came to Seattle chasing a title, got one in his first season, and naturally created questions about whether he had accomplished everything he wanted.
Why his return would matter to Mike Macdonald’s defense
Even at this stage of his career, Lawrence was not just a symbolic veteran addition.
In 2025, he played 16 games and finished with 52 tackles and 6 sacks for Seattle, while continuing to give the defense a physical edge against the run and on early downs. He remained one of the front’s tone-setters and a strong fit in Macdonald’s system.
That is why his possible return matters. If Lawrence were to retire, Seattle would be losing more than sack production. It would be losing one of its most experienced defenders and one of the players who helped shape the identity of a championship-caliber defense.
Lawrence’s Super Bowl impact went beyond the box score
Lawrence’s Super Bowl contribution was not just about the stat line.
He officially recorded 2 tackles in Seattle’s win, but his impact showed up in the pressure packages, edge-setting and veteran presence he brought to the game. Coverage leading into and after the Super Bowl pointed to Lawrence as one of the defensive tone-setters during Seattle’s title run.
That is what makes Macdonald’s update meaningful. A month ago, Lawrence’s future looked uncertain. Now, the Seahawks are publicly signaling they expect one of their key veteran defenders back for another season.