The Dallas Cowboys are nearing the start of the 2024 regular season, but there’s still room for new additions. Former New York Jets DE Carl Lawson is currently a free agent and a potential option.
In a July 22 article, Blogging the Boys writer Brian Martin discussed the possibility. Despite Lawson’s stock dropping over the past two years, he might be a good fit as a rotational pass rusher for Dallas.
“Behind [Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence] on the depth chart, things are a bit unclear with young/unproven players,” Martin wrote. “If they struggle in their backup roles during training camp/preseason, Dallas may need to look for more proven outside help… While [Lawson] hasn’t been the same dominant player he was earlier in his career after tearing his Achilles in 2021, and was often a healthy scratch with the Jets last season, he still has enough left to help the Cowboys if the youngsters don’t perform well in training camp/preseason.”
Lawson is appealing for two main reasons: cost and potential. Despite valid concerns about his performance, he would be a low-risk move for the Cowboys.
**Lawson’s Struggles Post-Achilles Tear**
After playing at Auburn, Lawson was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft. He impressed immediately, recording 8.5 sacks as a rookie. However, as Pro Football Reference shows, Lawson’s injury issues began that year when he tore his ACL in Week 8 and missed the rest of the season. He returned in 2019, managing 5 sacks in 12 games, and then 5.5 sacks in 16 games in 2020.
Lawson signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Jets in the 2021 offseason but tore his Achilles before the season began. He bounced back with a 7-sack season in 2022, but in 2023, the Jets’ crowded defensive line limited him to just 6 games.
**Potential Trade for Micah Parsons**
While Lawson is a potential addition, former Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus speculates that Parsons could leave Dallas. On the Love of the Star podcast, Broaddus mentioned that Parsons might be traded depending on Dak Prescott’s next contract.
“[Prescott] could offer them a solution to get things done [by taking less money]. If not, I see Micah Parsons potentially being traded from this organization… Even though his contract is the furthest away from needing attention. There are tags and options available. My gut feeling is he might fetch the most draft capital of the three players [via trade], if that makes sense.”
The idea of Parsons leaving is tough for Cowboys fans, but the team has several elite players needing substantial contracts. If Dallas can’t pay everyone, they might have to make tough decisions.