7-year starter and former New York Jet pass-rusher, Carl Lawson has been linked in a rumor this offseason to NFC East team Dallas Cowboys. It has been a slowgoing offseason for the Cowboys after only signing linebacker Eric Kendricks from the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year deal. Lawson, a former fourth-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017, was one of four contracts voided by the Jets. After leaving the Bengals, the $45 million pass-rusher missed the entire 2021 season campaign due to injury, following his return in 2022.
A handful of starters and key players have exited America’s team including Dante Fowler Jr, and Dorance Armstrong. There’s an obvious hole at their defensive end position after Armstrong’s exit for the Washington Commanders. According to Bleacher Report, they suggest that the Cowboys should take Lawson as their next pass-rusher to shore up the new defense under Mike Zimmer. However, The Auburn product never got in actual game shape for the entire 2023 season so it’s a matter of time before he can this upcoming fall.
He spent most of his time on the reserve list and the fact that he was on there was frustrating because he wanted to play. There was an expectation of taking on a bigger role that year but that didn’t go the way he wanted. The addition of Haason Reddick from the Philadelphia Eagles shows that they are pretty much moving on from Lawson. The Jets have a stacked list of talent in their pass-rushing unit amongst Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald.
It’s easy to assume that Lawson wasn’t getting a chance at a starting role with the Jets. It’s probably best for him to land with a team that needs a veteran pass-rusher.
7-Year Starter Carl Lawson Linked to NFC East Team Dallas Cowboys
He Could Land on a Bargain Contract
Talking heads shouldn’t expect the Dallas Cowboys to spend any big money for the rest of the offseason. Therefore, this would be the perfect opportunity for the Cowboys to land a deal with Lawson before another team does. However, he isn’t planning on going anywhere anytime soon since no other teams are interested yet. Most teams in the league are waiting until the draft is over before they decide on signing a low-cost veteran.
In an article titled, “Bargain Contracts Cowboys Must Consider in 2024 Free Agency,” analyst Alex Ballentine tabbed Lawson as No. 1 on the Cowboy’s list of being too good on the market. He could sign a one-year deal for just under a 3 million dollar contract, a player who’s coming back from a torn Achilles in 2021. Lawson had notched seven sacks with the New York Jets in 2022 with that being his best year. The 28-year-old has a connection with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer as well. However, he played for him when he spent two years for the Bengals before signing with the Jets.
Lawson is a player that wants to play. He wasn’t pleased that he was non-existent on the field for the entire 2023 season. Lawson could finally get his chance now with America’s team.
He’s Ready To Go
Whoever lands Lawson this offseason would probably be getting a rare gem. He went from playing as a 17-game starter to playing just six games, with no starts to his credit. The Jets’ defense was too populated with Huff, Johnson and Michael Clemons. Lawson explains how he’s a football player and not a cheerleader.
“I’ve always wanted to help the Jets win. I’ve always wanted to be the best of myself for the team. I do want to be a football player, I do want to produce and I do want to help because I’m a football player, not a cheerleader, so that’s kind of where my head is at with that,” Lawson told reporters.
