The Las Vegas Raiders need help along the edge on the defensive side of the ball, and Carl Lawson would be an excellent fit.
The Cincinnati Bengals opted not to use the franchise tag on standout edge rusher Carl Lawson, making him an unrestricted free agent, and a real target for the Las Vegas Raiders. Lawson remains hopeful that he and the Bengals can work out a long-term contract, but like anyone knows in the NFL, there is no certainty.
In an interview with Paul Dehner of TheAthletic.com, Lawson shed some light on his looming free agency stating “Of course, I’m comfortable where I’m at. But it doesn’t make sense to not listen to what people have to say but if there are better options for me and my family”.
Financially, it would be expected that the Bengals would want Lawson to take a ‘hometown discount’ and it would be prudent for Lawson to listen to other teams’ offers.
Enter the Raiders
In 2020, the Raiders defense showed deficiencies at every level, and with a newly-restructured salary cap following key releases or Lamarcus Joyner, Richie Incognito, Tyrell Williams, and the trade of Trent Brown, the Raiders should look to improve upfront, strengthening the pass rush with proven free agent talent.
The Raiders have glaring needs on both the defensive line and in the secondary, and adding a player who silently thrived in the 2020 season, recording 5.5 sacks and 36 QB hits makes more sense than not. Lawson has been extremely efficient since entering the league in 2017, averaging five sacks and 20 QB hits a season, and his high motor and ability to lock in on his target is an area that the Raiders defensive line lacked in 2020.
The front 4 battled through injuries and COVID-19, and adding Lawson would be a much-needed spark after failed experiments of previous veteran leadership and oft-injured rookie projects left the team looking for more.
Lawson said whatever decision he made would have to be best for his family, and what better a move than to enjoy the tax break in Las Vegas while playing for a team that’s a solid defense away from being highly competitive?