Carl Lawson Expresses Frustration, Says He Is Not A ‘Cheerleader’
New York Jets defensive end Carl Lawson has been with the organization since 2021, but has only played 21 games for them. Lawson returned from a torn Achilles to notch seven sacks for the Jets in 2022, but he has been a healthy scratch in two games this year and has played only 73 defensive snaps when he’s been in the lineup.
That’s not ideal for a player to be paid $15 million a year (according to Spotrac), and Lawson is no slouch. In his four years with the Cincinnati Bengals, he recorded 20 sacks, 81 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 83 QB hits and two forced fumbles.
With the trade deadline looming, there’s been some chatter that the Jets could move him to another team. Lawson’s contract is set to expire next year, and so far it looks like the Jets have little interest in playing him.
Lawson isn’t asking for that to happen, but he is clear that he wants to be doing more on the field than he’s done so far this season.
“ I definitely want to play and contribute ,” Lawson said . “ I know I can. 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. . . . I’m a football player, not a cheerleader .”
With a defensive line consisting of Quinnen Williams , Jermaine Johnson , and John Franklin-Myers, it’s interesting that the team doesn’t play Lawson more. He gets tons of pressure, racking up 24 QB hits in 2022, the second-most on the team.
The Jets rank No. 26 in total sacks this year, and are giving up 351.8 yards per game. Throwing Lawson in the mix more could provide fresher legs on the D-line and take some pressure off of Quinnen Williams .
Teams have a few days until Tuesday’s trade deadline to present the Jets with an irresistible offer for Lawson’s services.
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