NY Jets: Carl Lawson will thrive under Robert Saleh

The NY Jets made an impact on day one of the NFL’s free-agent tampering period, agreeing to terms with standout defensive end Carl Lawson, among others.

Lawson, who will turn 26-years-old before the season begins, will look to become an ideal fit while working in new head coach Robert Saleh’s defensive system.

Lawson will operate as a 4-3 defensive end in a system that is proven to maximize the potential of those who have the appropriate skill set. He fits the bill, it’s now up to Robert Saleh and his coaching staff to present Lawson with the right opportunities to succeed.

The former Auburn star agreed to a three-year deal with New York, giving himself enough time to get acclimated within the scheme Saleh is set to be deploying.

Carl Lawson is a perfect fit for the NY Jets

Lawson had a total of 32 quarterback hits this past season — a figure that led the NFL. That number will likely stay consistent within the Jets’ defense, a statistical category that the team hasn’t exactly excelled in over the years.

Lawson’s ability to get after the quarterback is severely underrated due to his lack of sacks. He recorded just 5.5 sacks while rushing the passer for Cincinnati in 2020.

But sacks are a stat that is generally overrated in today’s NFL, due to the fact that many elite defenses bank on quarterback pressures to find sustained success.

Saleh surely pounded the table for Lawson’s services, as his defense requires a strong edge presence to, at very the least, adequately thrive.

Lawson provides this, and more.

Carl Lawson adds another layer to the Jets’ defense that hasn’t quite been possible to achieve since 2011. A defense that can rely on a player’s ability to get to the quarterback only aids in providing more security for a secondary.

One of the reasons Lawson likely wanted to play for Saleh is his ability to get the best out of his players. Cincinnati obviously wasn’t fully invested in Lawson due to their lack of motivation to re-sign or place the franchise tag on the standout pass-rusher.

The Jets wanted Lawson, they got him, and now Robert Saleh has a chance to unleash him.