Ravens Named Potential Destination For Intriguing Pass Rusher

The Baltimore Ravens could actually use some help with their pass rush after losing key edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney to free agency this offseason.

Clowney posted 9.5 sacks in 2023, and the Ravens have yet to replace that production. Not only that, but Baltimore also lost linebacker Patrick Queen, who logged 3.5 sacks himself last season.

That’s why Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department feels that Carl Lawson would be a good fit for the club going into 2024.

Lawson is one of the top pass rushers remaining on the free-agent market. He spent the 2023 campaign with the New York Jets, but played in just six games due to a back injury. Plus, he fell out of favor with head coach Robert Saleh.

However, just two years ago, in Lawson’s first playable season with the Jets (more on that in a second), he appeared in every contest and racked up 33 tackles, seven sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

The 28-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Auburn, was originally selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

He played in every game during his rookie campaign and showed impressive pass-rushing chops, finishing with 16 tackles and 8.5 sacks.

Injuries limited Lawson to just seven contests in his sophomore season, and he logged only six tackles and a sack. However, in 2019, Lawson bounced back, totaling 23 tackles and five sacks. He then went on to tally 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks and a couple of forced fumbles in 2020.

He signed with the Jets in March 2021, but missed all of that ensuing season due to a torn Achilles.

Obviously, Lawson has quite a checkered injury history, but he is still relatively young, and when healthy, he is a fine pass rusher who could certainly add something to the Ravens’ defense.

Baltimore led the NFL with 60 sacks this past season, but again, losing Clowney and Queen hurts in that area. Lawson is a good option to remedy that issue.

The Ravens can also look at someone like Yannick Ngakoue, who is also still available after spending the 2023 campaign with the Chicago Bears.

Baltimore should probably sign someone to help provide some depth at edge rusher before the 2024 season begins. After all, the Ravens pride themselves on a strong defense.

We’ll see if Baltimore makes a move with training camp quickly approaching.