Jets Acquire Shaq Lawson From Houston Texans Via Trade

After losing one of their key offseason singings meant to boost the defensive line, the New York Jets have traded with the Houston Texans to acquire pass-rusher Shaq Lawson.

The Jets are sending a 2022 sixth-round pick, originally acquired through the San Francisco 49ers, to the Texans to receive Lawson. News of the deal was first announced via Adam Schefter.

New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas was in a pinch to find a new defensive end after losing Carl Lawson to an Achilles injury. Sunday's move doesn't necessarily spackle over the loss of Lawson, but the new Lawson in town was certainly a bargain for Douglas and the Jets. Shaq certainly has the potential to fill the necessary cracks in 2021.

A 2016 first-round pick out of Clemson, Shaq Lawson was selected by the Buffalo Bills after an impressive 2015 collegiate season in which he produced 59 tackles (24.5 for loss) and 12.5 sacks. Though his production in the NFL has yet to match his days as a Tiger, Shaq's combined 20.5 sacks and 141 tackles in his five seasons proves he's familiar with disrupting quarterbacks and backfields.

After four years with the Bills, the defensive end joined Miami as a free agent in the 2020 offseason. Lawson agreed to a 3-year, $30 million contract and was dealt to the Houston Texas only a year after the signing. Shaq recorded 33 tackles, four sacks and 18 QB hits during his 2020 campaign with the Dolphins.

Pricing for the DE came surprisingly cheap considering the evident void on the defensive line now that Carl Lawson (Achilles) and Vinny Curry (rare blood disorder) are out. With the Texans in a rebuild mode, racking up draft capital may have been reason enough to let go of Lawson.

The New York Jets will be the third AFC East team that has signed Lawson. Shaq bears no relation to Carl Lawson.

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