Falcons linked to former Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets Edge

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons’ long-standing pass rush question hasn’t gotten any help from veterans this offseason — or at least not yet.

The Falcons, who lost their two co-sack leaders from last season in Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell, added three defensive tackles – Ruke Orhorhoro, Brandon Dorlus and Zion Logue – and edge rusher Bralen Trice in the 2024 draft. NFL.

But still no proven solution. During OTAs and minicamp, Atlanta rolled with outside linebackers Arnold Ebiketie and Lorenzo Carter and defensive ends Zach Harrison, James Smith-Williams, Kentavius ​​Street and Bradlee Anae on the perimeter.

Another name coming?

The Falcons – along with the Baltimore Ravens – have been named by Bleacher Report as a “logical landing spot” for free agent defensive end Carl Lawson.

“Lawson turns 29 this month and has had some injury issues in the past, but he was productive before finding himself stuck behind a deep passing rotation in New York last season,” writes Bleacher Report. “Several teams could use a veteran like Lawson to round out their roster ahead of the 2024 season.”

Lawson, 6-2 and 265 pounds, was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft and burst onto the scene with 8.5 sacks in 16 games as a rookie. He has yet to replicate that success, but he has remained a productive passer.

In 51 games with 14 starts, the Alpharetta, Ga. native finished his four-year tenure with the Bengals with 20 sacks, 19 tackles for loss and 83 quarterback hits. He missed all of 2021 after tearing his Achilles tendon.

In the spring of 2022, the New York Jets signed Lawson to a three-year, $45 million contract in free agency, helping him turn the page on a difficult end in Cincinnati.

Lawson, who turns 29 on June 29, had a productive 2022 season with the Jets, starting all 17 games and collecting seven sacks, nine tackles for loss, 24 quarterback hits and 46 total pressures.

Marked on New York’s depth chart and limited early by a back injury, Lawson played in just six games in 2023 and failed to hit the quarterback in his 101 snaps. However, there may be more in the tank.

“It’s hard to believe he simply isn’t good enough anymore to contribute as a rotational passer who has traditionally been strong against the run,” Bleacher Report said.

The Jets voided Lawson’s contract in February, sending him to the open market, where he has remained since.

On paper, Atlanta still has uncertainty, but Lawson is far from a sure bet at this point in his career. For now, the Falcons roster has 90 players and Lawson is waiting for an opportunity. It remains to be seen whether the two parties will change their status together.