Carl Lawson Talking a Big Game For His New York Jets Role

After signing with the New York Jets for a three-year, $45 million contract, former Bengals' DE Carl Lawson is shooting for the stars with a bold outlook at the season ahead.

When asked about his new assignment to help the Jets scrap their way to the top of a loaded AFC East, Lawson believes that his personal goals for the upcoming season will help elevate a team once revered for its stalwart defense.

“I feel like the sky’s the limit,” said Lawson in an interview with the team. “But like everything, this is life, and not every goal that you set is going to happen because there’s external factors. But I will do everything in my power possible to reach my highest level of potential and what I think I could possibly be, which is something otherworldly. But at the same time, if I was ever to fall short, I would be OK with that because I’d know I did everything I could possibly do to get myself there. And whatever you do, football, that’s just life. If you really care about what you’re doing, that’s how you should approach it.”

The organization is in the midst of a rebuild. They recently hired former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for their head coaching position and drafted former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. After an exceptional offseason via draft and free agency acquisitions, the Jets expect the season ahead to be a turnaround from their atrocious 2-14 campaign in 2020.

After four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Lawson racked up 20 total sacks and 49 solo tackles as a dependable piece for a passable Bengals defensive line.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas hope that the addition of Lawson will help boost production for former No. 2 pick and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who had a rebounding effort in 2020 and lived up to his pre-draft prospects by producing 7 sacks and 32 solo tackles for the Jets' defensive line.

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Alejandro Avila lives in Southern California and previously covered news for the LA Football Network. Jeopardy expert and grumpy sports fan. Known for having watched every movie and constant craving for dessert. @alejandroaveela (on X)