Carl Lawson wasn't a free agent, the Cowboys did everything they could to acquire him in the first offseason. It was only after Sam Williams was sidelined due to injury that the Cowboys actively pursued the six-year veteran (who missed all of 2021) and even then It was a non-committal effort to cut him once and only later signed him to the training group.
More injuries to Dallas' defensive end group eventually forced Lawson onto the active roster, and the 29-year-old Edge rewarded the Cowboys with four sacks (third on the team) and 13 quarterback hits (also third) in a rotational role that's 10 games. His performance didn't make the world excited, but considering the time and circumstances surrounding the player, he did quite well in the team.
Lawson has carved out a good role for himself in 2024. By playing primarily on passing downs, he has effectively taken controlThe role Dante Fowler played a season ago.
Even with the return of fellow DE Marshawn Kneeland, Lawson sees a consistent workload in a consistent role. That's made him a strong player in the Cowboys' defense and a pleasant surprise in a season full of disappointments.
To put things in perspective: 2024 Lawson's second-worst rated season of his career. He's not enjoying a breakthrough or even a resurgence in Dallas. But at a contract price of $1,125,000, it's an extremely good return for a guy the Cowboys signed late and out of complete necessity.
With DeMarcus Lawrence set to return as early as Week 14, it will be interesting to see where Lawson fits into the rotation. Lawrence is considered the superior player in both phases of the game, and if he wins the field on obvious passes, he will likely regain at least some of Lawson's pass-rushing snaps.
The Cowboys' best pass-rushing duo from the edge is widely considered to be Micah Parsons and Lawrence. Osa Odighizuwa has established himself as the best interior pass rusher DeMarvion Overshown (second on Cowboys in sacks) is the best blitz option.
Lawson's next big step will be to play as impactfully as before, with fewer snaps and a greater percentage of them on running downs. He still has a role in the rotation, but the options may not be as well-stocked as before.
If Lawson can still be an effective rotation player after Lawrence returns, he could play a role in Dallas' plans at DE next season. While Lawrence is likely to leave in free agency, Williams is expected to return from his knee injury. As a high-end pass rushing prospect, Williams should get the majority of pass rushing snaps in 2025, assuming he recovers quickly from his torn ACL. Therefore, Lawson would need to play a supporting role, similar to what will be required of him this season when Lawrence returns.
Lawson has proven he's well worth the price of admission in 2024, but now he's applying for 2025.
