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The Jets signed defensive end Carl Lawson to a three-year, $45 million contract ahead of the 2021 season, but their plans for him were thrown into disarray when he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear during training camp later that year. While he returned to action and had a good season in 2022, Lawson didn’t play much in 2023, as the Jets seemed content to move on from him.
However, Robert Saleh likes to have a deep defensive end rotation, so perhaps there is still a place for him on the team at the right price.
So, should the Jets bring Lawson back?
Why Lawson should be back
At his peak, Lawson was a quality pass rusher, who led the entire NFL in quarterback knockdowns in the season before he signed for the Jets. In 2022, the Jets got to see him at something like his best as he racked up seven sacks. In 2023, he barely got a chance to play as he began the season in a reserve role after having been limited by a back injury, so he may have still been capable of that kind of production, but simply never got the chance to get into game shape.
Had Lawson been on another team, he likely would have been able to get more playing time and might have found his rhythm sooner. However, the Jets have a deep rotation and obviously had an eye on the future as Jermaine Johnson and Bryce Huff both established themselves as worthy of a bigger role and the team also had to find reps for rookie Will McDonald.
With Huff’s return uncertain, it’s possible that a spot might open up in the rotation for a veteran pass rusher. The Jets will therefore be looking for an affordable option and Lawson knows the system so he could be a potential candidate for this role.
Oct 29, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive end Carl Lawson (58) celebrates a defensive stop during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports / © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Why Lawson shouldn’t be back
For the six…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/stay-jets-bring-carl-lawson-150015096.html
Author : SNY
Publish date : 2024-02-10 15:00:15
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