Cowboys to sign veteran edge-rusher

Carl Lawson has been busy recently concerning free agent visits, and one of his workouts has led to a deal. The veteran edge rusher is signing with the Cowboys, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Lawson has long remained one of the top edge rush options on the market following the end of his Jets tenure. The 29-year-old was one of four pass rushers the Cowboys hosted earlier this month, although no deal was immediately worked out. Al-Quadin Muhammad and Shaka Toney landed Dallas deals after their visits, but the latter was waived/injured Wednesday.

The Cowboys have circled back to Lawson in the wake of that development. The former Bengals fourth-rounder racked up 20 sacks in four seasons with Cincinnati, and he joined the Jets in 2021 with significant expectations. An Achilles tear kept him sidelined for the entire season, but he returned to action the following year. Lawson recorded seven sacks in his debut Jets campaign. In 2023, however, things took a notably different turn.

The Auburn alum only suited up for six games last season, and he was held without a sack or QB hit. It thus came as little surprise Lawson endured a lengthy spell on the open market after his April visit with the Dolphins. More recently, he worked out with the Panthers and Cardinals in addition to auditioning for the Cowboys. Looking for depth on the edge, Dallas will add Lawson for the rest of training camp on a deal worth far less than the three-year, $15M one he previously landed with the Jets.

Dallas is set atop the depth chart with Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. Muhammad and second-round rookie Marshawn Kneeland are set to handle rotational roles after Sam Williams‘ ACL tear. Lawson will now spend the coming weeks looking to carve out a role as part of that group ahead of roster cutdowns. Returning to regular usage could set up an earlier free agent deal being worked out next offseason.