The Jets finally found a pass-rusher.
New York agreed to terms with former Bengals DE Carl Lawson on a three-year deal worth $45 million with $30 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This deal can’t become official until March 17 at 4 p.m. ET.
The 25-year-old pass-rusher will start alongside Quinenn Williams in Robert Saleh’s 4-3 defensive scheme. Lawson, a former fourth-round pick out of Auburn, has 20 sacks in 51 career games.
This past season, Lawson recorded 5.5 sacks, a career-high 32 quarterback hits and generated 38 pressures from the right side. He also had the third-fastest get-off rate (0.73), which was only behind T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree, according to ESPN’s Next Gen Stats.
The Jets had reported interest in Saints DE Trey Hendrickson, but it’s unclear if Lawson’s addition precludes that move. It would seem unlikely that New York adds both defenders.
