Coach Mike Macdonald calmed concerns over the veteran pass rusher's absence, confirming the Super Bowl champion remains a vital fixture for Seattle’s title defense this summer.
The Seattle Seahawks opened organized team activities with a notable absence on defense, but head coach Mike Macdonald quickly eased concerns surrounding veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence.
Lawrence was not present for the team’s first OTA session, prompting questions about his status heading into the summer. According to Macdonald, however, there is little concern internally, as the expectation remains that the longtime NFL veteran will return and continue his career in Seattle.
"He’s working through some things, but he’s in great spirits," Macdonald told reporters. "And he’ll be here at some point."
That update matters for a Seahawks defense built around experience, physicality, and pressure off the edge. Lawrence arrived in Seattle before the 2025 season after spending more than a decade with the Dallas Cowboys, and he immediately brought leadership and toughness to Macdonald’s defensive front. His presence helped stabilize a unit that became one of the NFL’s most feared groups.
Even late in his career, Lawrence remained productive. The veteran contributed 53 total tackles, six sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and a league-leading two fumble recovery touchdowns. Despite being 34 years old, he still showed that he can contribute to winning football.
And not only did he do that, but he contributed to Super Bowl winning football.
The timing of the update is important as Seattle begins preparing for another season with lofty expectations. The team is coming off of their second Vince Lombardi Trophy in franchise history, so needless to say, they are going to have a huge target on their backs.
Seattle’s defense has become the identity of the team during Macdonald’s tenure. The Seahawks leaned heavily on defensive dominance during the 2025 season, and maintaining continuity remains a major offseason priority.
If Lawrence returns for training camp ready to work, Seattle’s pass-rush rotation immediately looks deeper and more experienced.
For now, Lawrence may not be on the practice field, but Macdonald’s message was clear: Seattle still expects the veteran defender to be part of its plans moving forward. And for a defense with championship ambitions yet again, that’s significant news heading into the summer.
Because even though his best years may be behind him, Lawrence has proved that he is invaluable to one of the best defenses in the league.
