NY Jets: 5 players the team can't afford to lose to injury in 2021

4. Carl Lawson, DE, NY Jets

The biggest splash in free agency was the signing of Carl Lawson. The Jets have lacked a truly top-tier pass rusher since the days of John Abraham and Shaun Ellis, and it likely is no coincidence that the team has yet to return to the playoffs ever since they've lacked a presence off the edge.

Carl Lawson is primed to end that streak, having shown signs of dominating the offensive line in training camp already. He's a shiny addition to a defensive line that is already primed to take a huge step forward in their young careers in disrupting the quarterback.

This is why Lawson absolutely cannot afford to miss any time this season due to injury.

While the front seven could end up being one of the top units in the entire league, the Jets' secondary leaves something to be desired.

There have been a handful of standouts in training camp so far, namely undrafted free agent Isaiah Dunn. However, the names that will likely be lining up on defense come Week 1 are still wet behind the ears.

The Jets will need to rely on a strong pass rush in order to help their young cornerbacks, allowing them to develop without getting torched by elite wide receivers.

Lawson is primed for success with the Jets. His first season with the team will not only be important for him, but for the entire defense as a whole.