Key Highlights
- The Baltimore Ravens signed veteran defensive end Carl Lawson to their practice squad on Friday.
- The Ravens are tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the fewest sacks in the 2025 season.
- Lawson had five sacks and 15 quarterback hits during his time with the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 season.
- The Ravens play the Chicago Bears at noon CDT on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
New Pass-Rush Addition for the Baltimore Ravens
On Friday, the Baltimore Ravens announced that they had signed veteran defensive end Carl Lawson to their practice squad. The move comes as the team looks to bolster its pass-rushing capabilities heading into a crucial season.
The 2025 season has been challenging for the Ravens, with their defense struggling to generate sacks and pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With eight sacks, Baltimore is tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the fewest in the NFL this season. The addition of Lawson could provide much-needed support to an already depleted pass rush.
Lawson’s Background
Lawson, a former standout from Auburn University, had a successful 2024 campaign where he recorded five sacks and 15 quarterback hits while playing 401 defensive snaps in 15 games. Despite his promising start, Lawson faced several setbacks during the following years.
After being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2017 draft, Lawson led first-year players with 8.5 sacks and made it to the Professional Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie team. However, injuries limited his playing time over the next two seasons, totaling only six sacks.
In 2020, Lawson had a resurgence, recording 5.5 sacks and ranking second in the NFL with 32 quarterback hits.
His performance earned him a three-year, $45 million contract with the New York Jets as an unrestricted free agent. But his career took another hit when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during training camp in 2021, which sidelined him for the entire season.
Recent Career Moves and Preparation
Lawson’s journey to the Ravens has been a winding one. After the Jets did not play a game with him due to injury, he found himself on Dallas’ practice squad before being promoted. During his time away from the active roster, Lawson remained dedicated to his craft.
“It’s been really good,” Lawson said. “It’s been a lot of blessings.
I can’t really complain. It’s just been training and then getting really, really healthy.”
Lawson’s preparation for the Ravens season includes working with the team to get back into game shape. He will not play in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears due to his recent arrival, but he remains optimistic about his future with the team.
Implications for Baltimore Ravens
The addition of Carl Lawson adds depth and experience to a defense that has struggled so far this season. His presence could provide the pass-rush pressure that the Ravens need to improve their defensive statistics and performance.
Coach John Harbaugh expressed confidence in Lawson’s ability, stating, “Looks like he’s in good shape,” and noting, “It won’t be this game. He just got here today.
But he’ll be on the practice squad, and that’s a good spot for him to get ready to play.”
The Ravens face the Miami Dolphins next week at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The short week will test Lawson as he transitions from practice squad to active roster, but his experience could prove valuable against an opponent with its own strong offensive line.
