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August 15 2024
Carl Lawson: Carl Lawson is joining the Cowboys as they continue to seek help for their defensive line following Sam Williams' season-ending injury. Lawson’s signing is part of a series of changes the team has made recently. After Williams suffered a knee injury on July 28, the Cowboys initially considered second-round pick Marshawn Kneeland as the starter opposite DeMarcus Lawrence. But with Lawson now in the mix, the team is strengthening its defense even further.
The Cowboys also added three players (Shaka Toney, Al-Quadin Muhammad and Lawson) following Williams' injury. The team signed Toney and Muhammad in early August and both played in the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
But Toney suffered a concussion and was ruled out/injured by the team on Wednesday. The move allowed the club to sign center/guard Kohl Cabral as the offensive line needed more depth because of health issues.
"Marshon did a good job," coach Mike McCarthy said when asked about the defensive ends before Wednesday's practice. "I'm confident that the reps he got in the game came from the dedication he showed during the Rams practice last week. I think we got some new players that we're still developing. Chauncey [Golston] went out there and played some end and I liked his performance. He had some great plays in the [preseason] games. The biggest thing, not just individually, but getting the techniques, getting that part right, making sure we're fitting everything together, the fundamentals, the techniques and the calls."
Defensive end isn't the only position the Cowboys are looking to upgrade.
Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said he wants to find another nose tackle for depth behind second-year player Mazie Smith.
After a difficult rookie season, a scheme change was expected to benefit Smith in his second season. He backtracked a bit on that after joint practice with the Rams on Wednesday.
"Yeah, that's not the plan," he said. "It’s about timing, connecting with people, getting everyone on the same page, and being part of the team." On Wednesday, the Cowboys traded with the New York Giants to acquire defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, giving up conditional late-round picks in the 2026 draft.
Everything about Lawson is familiar on the Cowboys' coaching staff. Paul Guenther, now the Cowboys' defensive run game coordinator, was serving as the Bengals' defensive coordinator back in 2017 when they selected Lawson in the fourth round of the draft.
In six NFL seasons, Lawson has 27 sacks. Two years ago, he signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the New York Jets. Over 23 games, Lawson recorded seven sacks before being released. The Cowboys are planning some roster adjustments to bring Lawson back.
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