The Seattle Seahawks return most of their keynote defensive players from last season. That will please head coach Mike Macdonald, who saw his defense improve down the stretch. One of the more notable changes saw veteran free-agent signing DeMarcus Lawrence replace Dre’Mont Jones, who was released from his bloated contract.

General manager John Schneider signed Lawrence to a three-year contract worth $32.5 million, carrying an annual average of $10.8 million. Lawrence will be tasked with supporting Boye Mafe and Derick Hall on the edges of Macdonald’s defense. He projects as a big-time contributor to the pass rush.

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It’s also fair to say Lawrence’s most productive campaigns are behind him. The 33-year-old rusher was limited to four regular-season appearances in 2024 after suffering a season-ending foot injury. Lawrence still looked effective in a small sample size, recording three sacks in four games.

The Seahawks are placing Lawrence in an ideal role. With Mafe, Hall, and even Uchenna Nwosu also at EDGE, the four-time Pro Bowler (who qualified for the NFL’s all-star game as recently as 2023), won’t be asked to do heavy lifting. Instead, Lawrence will play a limited role designed on maximizing his health and performance.

Lawrence won’t just contribute as a pass rusher. He’s also been an outstanding run defender throughout his illustrious career.

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“Lawrence’s best days as a pass rusher are behind him, but he can help the Seahawks’ rush defense,” The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen recently wrote in an article that claims the Seahawks defense will “break out” in 2025.

The analytics also support that argument. In 2023, Lawrence’s last full season, Pro Football Focus assigned him an elite run-stopping grade of 92.4. In 2021, he earned a similar 93.2. Lawrence has been a legitimate force multiplier as a run defender.

Lawrence may be a past-his-prime asset, but the Seahawks appear to possess a sound plan for his usage. Expect the former Butler Community College and Boise State standout to play an effective role in 2025. Lawrence should be effective for the Seahawks this season.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: What should the Seahawks expect from DeMarcus Lawrence in 2025?