The Detroit Lions have gotten their roster down to 53 players, but could still improve the team in certain areas. One of those spots is at edge rusher, and veteran Carl Lawson seems to be open to the idea of landing in the Motor City.
Al Karsten on X posted that the Lions should sign Lawson if they don't re-sign Za’Darius Smith, and the vet responded, "Scary part is I’m twice as good as last year. Stay tuned."
Scary part is I’m twice as good as last year. Stay tuned https://t.co/XyXxHiawCq
— carl lawson (@carllawson55) August 26, 2025
Carl Lawson Lets Lions Know He’s Ready to Roll
Aidan Hutchinson is the main disruptor for the Lions' defensive line, but they need more. Josh Paschal is dealing with an undisclosed injury, and the timeframe for when he returns to the field is up in the air. They also released rookie Ahmen Hassanein, but he was placed on IR due to a pectoral injury.
While Smith has been linked to the Lions for the last few months, nothing has crossed the finish line. Meanwhile, Lawson spent the 2024 season with the Dallas Cowboys. He suited up in 15 games and started in three games. In those outings, Lawson had 15 total tackles, 15 QB hits, and five sacks.
The Auburn product has seemingly lost a step since he tore his Achilles in 2021 with the New York Jets. Even though he has been as explosive since the injury, Lawson still been able to be rotational edge rusher.
In his NFL career with the Bengals, Jets, and Cowboys, he had secured 134 total stops, 32 TFLs, 122 QB hits, and 32 sacks.
Adding him on a one-year deal seems like a logical approach and would likely cost less than whatever Smith would ask for.
Detroit can't go into the 2025 season with its current edge rotation. The best teams can throw waves of pass rushers at teams, and as of now, the Lions don't have that. Lawson still has some juice left in the tank and could generate pressure. The Lions should seriously consider signing the 30-year-old before the campaign rolls around.