The Dallas Cowboys were hit with a significant injury to the defense when defensive end Sam Williams went down in practice on Sunday. Later tests revealed that Williams tore his ACL and MCL, ending his 2024 season.
Read more: Cowboys DE Carted Off Field During Practice
The Cowboys were quick to ensure they have depth on the pass rush side of things, as it was announced they would be working out multiple defensive ends. One such player is former Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets defensive end Carl Lawson.
Apart from Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, the team is short at the defensive end position. Adding Lawson could go a long way in providing veteran depth at the position.
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Lawson began his career with the Bengals in 2017, when he was drafted No. 116 overall. During his rookie season, Lawson secured 8.5 sacks and 21 quarterback hits.
Sadly, Lawson would only appear in eight games in 2018, securing one sack. During Week 8, he suffered a torn ACL, ending his season prematurely.
Lawson would heal and return to proper form in 2019, securing five sacks and 22 quarterback hits. His 2020 season was much of the same, as the defensive end racked up 5.5 sacks, 32 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles.
Lawson would bring in seven sacks in 2022, setting a career high. Lawson only appeared in six games in 2023 and has been a free agent since. Though he did not secure any sacks in 2023, Lawson would offer some more dynamic quarterback pressure for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys need veteran help as the depth at defensive end as the rest of the players at the position are mostly all rookies. The other depth defensive ends are Tyrus Wheat (second year), Durrell Johnson (rookie), Byron Vaughns (rookie), Marshawn Kneeland (rookie), and Viliami Fehoko Jr. (second year).
Working out multiple defensive ends is the right way to go for the team currently; adding Lawson might be at the top of the list. Training camp is ongoing and free agents will need to be brought in to learn the playbook and eventually see if they can carve out some sort of a starting role within the defense.
Read more: Cowboys’ Star Defender Taken Off PUP List After Suffering Season-Ending Injury
Adding more pass rush help will be paramount to keeping one of the league’s best defenses humming. The good news is the secondary is also receiving more help, as star cornerback Trevon Diggs has also worked his way back from a torn ACL, and has already been cleared for contact.
Should the Cowboys find a quality defensive end, the defense might not skip a beat.