Summer is winding down, and the Cincinnati Bengals seem content to stick with their current roster. But that doesn't mean they’re completely closed off to adding some familiar faces, especially if it could bolster their defense without breaking the bank. One name that stands out is Carl Lawson.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently highlighted Lawson when discussing 10 potential bargain-bin free agents. Interestingly, he even mentioned the Bengals as a potential landing spot for Lawson. This might just be a smart move for the Bengals, considering their plans for the upcoming season.
Let’s dive into some details about Carl Lawson. Despite a quieter season last year, Lawson managed to record seven sacks and 24 quarterback pressures in 2022. Not too shabby, right? Plus, he just turned 29 at the end of June, meaning he’s still got plenty of gas left in the tank.
Lawson was originally a fourth-round pick by the Bengals back in 2017. His knack for getting after quarterbacks has always been apparent, and he's been effective in a rotational role. Adding him to the mix could be a strategic move for Cincinnati.
Now, let's talk about the current state of the Bengals' defense. They have high hopes for their first-round pick, Myles Murphy. The idea is for Murphy to join forces with Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson to create a formidable pass-rushing rotation. And let’s not forget about Joseph Ossai, who might be gearing up for a standout contract year.
Even with these promising players, adding a veteran like Lawson to the rotation could be beneficial. The grind of a 17-game season (and potentially more) means depth is crucial. If Lawson comes at an affordable price, bringing him back could deepen the Bengals’ pass-rushing capabilities and provide some valuable experience to the younger players.
Think about it - having Lawson back in the fold would not only enhance the team’s depth but also bring back a familiar face who knows the system and the expectations. It’s all about strengthening the team without making any huge, risky moves. And with Lawson’s track record and relatively young age, this seems like a low-risk, high-reward scenario.
So, while the Bengals might not be making any headline-grabbing moves this summer, keeping an eye on Carl Lawson and possibly bringing him back could be the kind of smart, under-the-radar decision that pays off in the long run. It’s all about playing the long game and ensuring they have the depth and experience needed to navigate the season successfully.
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