Urged to Prioritize Re-Signing Free Agent by the New York Jets

As the 2024 NFL season winds down and the league heads into free agency, a growing chorus of fans, analysts, and even former players is urging the New York Jets to prioritize re-signing one critical free agent: edge rusher Carl Lawson. Lawson, who joined the Jets in 2021 on a three-year deal, has emerged as the heart of the team’s pass rush and a leader in the locker room, making his impending free agency one of the Jets’ most pressing offseason storylines. After a 2024 campaign where he recorded 9.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 23 quarterback pressures—all team highs—Lawson’s value to the Jets’ defense has never been clearer. Urged to Prioritize Re-Signing Free Agent by the New York Jets explores why Lawson has become such a priority, the risks of letting him leave, and what a new contract might look like for both the player and the franchise.

Urged to Prioritize Re-Signing Free Agent by the New York Jets begins with the case for Carl Lawson’s importance to the Jets’ defense, which relies heavily on his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and set the tone for the unit. Since overcoming a torn Achilles that sidelined him for most of the 2021 season, Lawson has reestablished himself as one of the NFL’s most consistent edge rushers. In 2024, he was the only Jets defender to record a sack in at least 10 games, and his ability to line up both as a traditional defensive end and a stand-up linebacker gave defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich unmatched flexibility. Beyond stats, Lawson’s leadership has been invaluable: he’s mentored young pass rushers like Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald IV, helping them develop into reliable contributors. “Carl isn’t just a player—he’s a teacher and a spark plug,” said former Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson, who has publicly advocated for Lawson’s re-signing. “When he’s on the field, the entire defense plays harder. Losing him would be a huge step back for this team.” Analysts agree, with Pro Football Focus ranking Lawson as the 12th-best edge rusher in the NFL in 2024—higher than any other pending free agent at his position.

A key reason for the urgency to re-sign Lawson is the thin market for elite edge rushers in the 2025 free agency class, which would make replacing him extremely difficult and costly. Unlike previous years, next year’s free agent pool lacks proven pass rushers with Lawson’s combination of consistency and durability. The top other edge rushers set to hit free agency—players like Danielle Hunter (Vikings) and Brian Burns (Panthers)—are either older than Lawson (Hunter is 30) or have a history of injury concerns (Burns missed four games in 2024). This means if the Jets let Lawson walk, they’d likely have to overpay for a lesser talent or trade significant draft capital to acquire a replacement via trade. “The market for edge rushers is going to be brutal this offseason, and Lawson is one of the few sure things,” said NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, who has reported that multiple teams are already preparing offers for Lawson. “The Jets can’t afford to wait—if they want to keep him, they need to act fast before other teams start throwing big money his way.” For the Jets, who have spent years rebuilding their defense, the idea of starting over at such a critical position is unappealing to both the front office and fans.

A critical aspect of Urged to Prioritize Re-Signing Free Agent by the New York Jets is the financial reality of re-signing Lawson—and why the New York Jets have the cap space to make it happen without sacrificing other key players. According to Over the Cap, the Jets are projected to have around \(65 million in salary cap space in 2025, one of the highest totals in the NFL. This gives them the flexibility to offer Lawson a competitive deal—likely a four-year contract worth between \)60 million and \(65 million, with around \)35 million guaranteed. Such a deal would make Lawson one of the top 15 highest-paid edge rushers in the league, a price fans and analysts argue is worth paying for his production. “The Jets have the money—they just need to prioritize it,” said Jets beat writer Connor Hughes. “Lawson is the kind of player you build a defense around, and with the cap space they have, there’s no excuse not to lock him up.” For the New York Jets, the financial math adds up: letting Lawson leave would mean losing a top-tier player for nothing, while re-signing him ensures the defense remains competitive as the team tries to end its playoff drought. It’s a decision that could shape the franchise’s trajectory for the next half-decade.

Another important factor driving the call to re-sign Lawson is his connection to the Jets’ fan base and the impact his departure would have on team morale—and how it aligns with the New York Jets’ goal of building a loyal, competitive culture. Lawson has embraced life in New York, often attending community events, interacting with fans on social media, and speaking openly about his desire to help the Jets win. His “Lawson’s Locker Room” charity initiative, which provides sports equipment to underserved youth in the Bronx, has made him a beloved figure off the field. Fans have taken to social media with the hashtag #KeepCarl, and a recent poll by the New York Post found that 82% of Jets fans believe re-signing Lawson should be the team’s top offseason priority. “Carl gets what it means to be a Jet—he cares about this city and this fan base,” said Jets fan Mike Torres, who organized a petition urging the team to re-sign Lawson. “Losing him would not only hurt on the field but also break the trust between the team and the fans who have stuck with them through tough years.” For the New York Jets, who have struggled to retain star players in recent years, re-signing Lawson would send a message that the franchise is committed to keeping its best talent and building a winner.

Wrapping up Urged to Prioritize Re-Signing Free Agent by the New York Jets is the broader implication of this decision for the Jets’ future as a playoff contender. With quarterback Aaron Rodgers under contract for at least one more season and a young core of talent on both sides of the ball, the Jets are in a window of opportunity to end their 13-year playoff drought. Losing Lawson would punch a major hole in that window, as the defense would lose its most consistent pass rusher and a key leader. On the other hand, re-signing him would keep the defense intact and give Rodgers a better chance to compete for a Super Bowl in his final years. “This is a make-or-break offseason for the Jets, and re-signing Lawson is the first step,” said former Jets head coach Herm Edwards. “You don’t let players like him walk when you’re this close to being a contender.” For the New York Jets, the choice is clear: prioritize Lawson’s re-signing, or risk undoing years of rebuilding. Urged to Prioritize Re-Signing Free Agent by the New York Jets isn’t just about one player—it’s about the Jets’ commitment to winning, their respect for their fan base, and their ability to seize a critical opportunity to turn the franchise around. As free agency approaches, all eyes will be on Jets general manager Joe Douglas to see if he answers the call.