DeMarcus Lawrence played the 2018 season under the franchise tag and the Dallas Cowboys have become "more comfortable" with awarding him a long-term deal.

The defensive end followed up his 14.5 sacks in 2017 with 64 tackles, 10.5 sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles this season.

"I wouldn't say we were a long ways apart; we were apart," Stephen Jones said. "Certainly DeMarcus has done his part to make us feel more comfortable. He put together now two back-to-back, double-digit sack seasons. Of course he's a leader by example. … Nothing's changed in terms of my opinion, except for the better."