Carl

Lawson

Released by the Texans last week, Tomlinson joins a Ravens team that has shuffled around bodies at guard of late. It’s possible he gets elevated at some point down the stretch. They released EDGE Carl Lawson from the practice squad to free up the spot to add Tomlinson.

Lawson tallied 27 quarterback pressures and six sacks in his seventh NFL season, playing as a Cowboy last year. He gives the Ravens some much-needed assistance in the pass-rush department. The Ravens’ 28.0 percent quarterback pressure rate ranks 29th among NFL defenses. Lawson will likely begin as a rotational player, and could increase his role with quality play as the season progresses.

Lawson signed with the Cowboys two weeks ago. Per ESPN’s Todd Archer, they may opt to keep Lawson on the practice squad for the time being, but other teams will have a chance to sign him. Lawson has played in 74 games while making 31 starts and has 27 sacks to his name, along with 28 TFLs. At just 29 years old, it’s possible he finds another team immediately in need of his services and avoids hanging around on a practice squad.

Lawson becomes the latest veteran lineman to join the Cowboys after they went out and traded for Giants defensive tackle Jordan Phillips last season. Lawson saw limited playing time with the Jets last season, appearing in just six games while totaling five tackles and no sacks. Lawson, 29, was a healthy scratch in several of the Jets’ games last year and voiced his displeasure over last year’s lack of playing time. We’ll see if he can find a way to contribute more to the Cowboys, who are in need of help along the defensive front.

The former Jets starter has been a healthy scratch in two of the team’s six games and has just three tackles and zero sacks on the year. “I definitely want to play and contribute. I know I can,” Lawson told reporters this week. “I’ve proven that. Yeah, I always want to contribute, but right now I’m with the Jets, but I definitely want to play more. I definitely want to do what I did last year [seven sacks]. ... I’m a football player, not a cheerleader.” Lawson is a name to watch as the NFL’s October 31 trade deadline approaches.

Lawson has been sidelined as a result of this back injury and hasn’t made an appearance in a preseason game. The former fourth-round pick appeared in 17 games for the Jets last season, totaling 33 tackles and seven sacks. A true pass rush specialist, Lawson has totaled 25 sacks through his first five seasons and is expected to be among the Jets’ top pass rushers again this season.

Lawson has looked more healthy this offseason after playing through his 2021 torn Achilles for parts of last season. The Jets restructured Lawson, who was set to make $15 million, and expect a rebound year from the 27-year-old pass rusher. On a Jets defense returning most of its starters, Lawson has a chance to top last year’s seven sacks if he stays healthy.

Lawson essentially agreed to a pay cut in exchange for some guaranteed money. He was set to make $15 million this year but the Jets could have saved nearly all of that by cutting him. Instead, they will bring him back on a deal that is worth $9 million with $8 million in guarantees. He can also make an additional $3 million back through incentives. Corey Davis and C.J. Mosely are both set to make over $10 million as well. Expect the Jets to strongarm one or both of them in pay cuts over the summer as well.

The Jets have $37 million tied up in Lawson ($15M) and LB C.J. Mosley ($22M). Releasing Lawson would clear his entire $15 million salary while Mosley could be asked to restructure. The Jets can pivot to 2022 first-round DE Jermaine Johnson if they move on from Lawson.

Becton is slated to start at left tackle for the Jets this year, and it’s a good sign that he’s off the list early after weight issues in the early offseason. Lawson is coming back from a preseason Achilles tear, and Uzomah from a knee injury. Both also figure to be main cogs for the Jets in 2022.