3 Jets who won't be back after being eliminated from playoff contention
2) The Carl Lawson signing never worked out for the Jets
The Jets signed Carl Lawson to a three-year deal worth $45 million with $30 million of it guaranteed prior to the 2021 season. Unfortunately, the contract got off on the wrong foot instantly as he tore his Achilles. He played better in 2022-23, recording seven sacks and appearing in all 17 games, but this season has been an entirely different story.
The veteran has seen his playing time take a dramatic hit, appearing in just five games and 22% of defensive snaps. He had just four tackles in his five games played this season, proving to be a non-factor on the field when given an opportunity.
Carl Lawson on if he’d be open to a trade if that became a possibility: “I’ve always wanted to help the Jets win … but I’m a football player, not a cheerleader.”
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) October 26, 2023
Said he’s still trying to be the best version of himself for the #Jets and be a great teammate and be as respectful…
Lawson believed he deserved more of an opportunity this year saying "I'm a football player, not a cheerleader." The Jets were expected to deal Lawson at the trade deadline as he searched for more playing time and wasn't going to get it in New York, but a deal never came to fruition.
The 28-year-old has appeared in just one game since mid-October and has not appeared in each of their last five games. It's very likely he has played his last game with the Jets, if not the NFL entirely. It's unfortunate that he never made much of an impact as a Jet, but that's how things go sometimes.