DeMarcus Lawrence had lofty aspirations for a new contract. And he got it in April.
Lawrence has likewise large hopes for the upcoming season and statistical success.
"My goal is to be the best that's ever played this game," Lawrence said Saturday at SportsCon 2019 in Dallas via NBCSports.com. "For sure, I want to beat that sack record, make it my own, so he can talk about beating my record. I'm going to just wait until I get to the season and then worry about sacks."
The record he speaks of is Michael Strahan's 2001 single-season sack standard of 22.5.
The he who Lawrence is referencing is Broncos pass-rushing power Von Miller, who has talked throughout the offseason of the highest of hopes that include eclipsing Bills legend Bruce Smith's all-time sack record and surpassing 20 sacks in a season.
Before Lawrence can once more commence terrorizing quarterbacks, he must recover from shoulder surgery.
"The mobility and my strength is coming back naturally," Lawrence said. "I'm working every day. I'm able to do things. I'm just still limited. Just taking my time. I've got time still."
It wasn't until after signing a five-year, $105 million blockbuster deal that Lawrence underwent April surgery, so a return could be delayed.
"My main thing is to be ready by Week One," Lawrence said.
Lawrence has combined for 25 sacks over the last two seasons, tallying 14.5 and 10.5 in 2017 and 2018, respectively, on his way to back-to-back Pro Bowl campaigns. Thus, impressive as he's been, Lawrence's prospects of a 23-sack season would definitely be a huge leap for the 27-year-old in his sixth season.
Then again, becoming the best there's ever been is a lofty goal, as well. But for a superstar paid handsomely to chase down success, perhaps that's exactly how it should be.
