Free agency was challenging for the Baltimore Ravens and their fans, as the team experienced what felt like a mass exodus of players. The defensive line, in particular, seemed to suffer, significantly impacting the Ravens’ pass rush.
To address this, the Bleacher Report NFL Scouting Department identified each team’s biggest needs on Monday, May 13, and mentioned, “Carl Lawson is an intriguing option that makes sense.”
Lawson played for the New York Jets from 2021 to 2023 after signing a three-year, $45 million contract to strengthen the Jets’ pass rush.
However, as Bleacher Report points out, “He dealt with a back injury for much of the 2023 campaign and was stuck in a deep defensive line rotation.”
Lawson was buried on a talented Jets defensive line, playing only six games and recording five combined tackles in 2023. It was the first season he didn’t register a sack when playing at least one game.
“He’s only 28 and has solid production in previous seasons,” Bleacher Report notes. Lawson could be a low-risk, high-reward player for GM Eric DeCosta to consider, likely at a minimal cost.
**Carl Lawson Looking to Revitalize Career**
Lawson had a promising start after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Over four years, he amassed 20.0 sacks and 83 QB hits.
David Latham of Last Word on Sports covered the potential connection, stating, “The Auburn product cashed in with a three-year, $45 million deal in free agency. Unfortunately, the injury bug bit shortly thereafter, as a torn Achilles kept him off the field in 2021.”
Lawson missed his first year with the Jets due to the Achilles injury but rebounded in 2022 with 7.0 sacks.
However, 2023 was different, as Latham explained, “Lawson hardly saw the field even when he was healthy, finishing the season with just five tackles and no sacks.”
Luckily for Lawson, he is only 28 and will be 29 by the start of the season, giving him time to turn things around.
“The Ravens won’t be the only ones interested in free agent Carl Lawson. While nobody is getting into a bidding war over the former fourth-round pick, several teams should be interested in bringing him in to see what he has left in his tank,” Latham wrote.
He mentioned the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, and Kansas City Chiefs as other potential destinations.
**Ravens Pass-Rush Took Major Hit This Offseason**
The Ravens lost two of their top-5 sack leaders in free agency: Jadeveon Clowney and Patrick Queen.
Bleacher Report wrote, “Defensively, Patrick Queen and Jadeveon Clowney were among their most productive players, but they’ll be wearing different colors this season.” Queen joined the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers, while Clowney returned to his hometown Panthers.
Latham added, “Clowney had a season to remember in 2023, recording 9.5 sacks, 43 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, and 19 quarterback hits while appearing in every game.” Clowney revitalized his career in Baltimore after joining late in training camp.
DeCosta might replicate this success with Lawson by bringing him in on a one-year deal. The GM did address the position in the draft, with Bleacher Report noting, “Third-round pick Adisa Isaac could help matters.”
However, the Ravens may seek a more veteran presence. DeCosta retained Kyle Van Noy, but he could still be looking for additional help.
