Carl Lawson Bio
Carl Lawson is an American professional football linebacker who has played in the National Football League since 2017. Known for his pass-rushing ability and tenacious edge play, Lawson has competed for the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, and Baltimore Ravens over eight NFL seasons.
Born and raised in Georgia, Lawson emerged as a five-star high school recruit and developed into an All-American college defender at Auburn University. His football acumen and relentless motor have made him a valued rotational and starting pass rusher throughout his NFL career, even as injuries have tested his durability.
Early Life and Background
Carl Lawson was born on June 29, 1995, in Alpharetta, Georgia, United States. He attended Milton High School in Milton, Georgia, where he quickly became one of the most dominant defensive players in the state. Lawson recorded 87 tackles and 15 sacks as a junior before amassing 78 tackles and an exceptional 27 sacks during his senior year, drawing attention from college programs across the country.
Lawson earned consensus five-star recruit status and was ranked among the top players in his national recruiting class. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ made him one of the most sought-after defensive linemen in the country. He committed to Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, where he would continue his football career in the Southeastern Conference.
Path to Linebacker
At Auburn University from 2013 to 2016, Lawson immediately contributed as a true freshman, recording 20 tackles and four sacks. His production and explosiveness off the edge caught scouts’ attention early. Lawson became known for his powerful first step and ability to disrupt offensive backfields, traits that would define his NFL career.
Lawson’s sophomore season in 2014 was derailed by a torn anterior cruciate ligament, forcing him to miss the entire year. In 2015, he appeared in only seven games due to additional injuries, recording 17 tackles and one sack. Despite the setbacks, Lawson returned with a dominant 2016 season that solidified his status as one of the premier defensive players in the country.
Carl Lawson Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Carl Lawson in the fourth round, 116th overall, of the 2017 NFL Draft. Lawson played in all 16 games in his rookie season, starting once and finishing with 16 tackles and 8.5 sacks. His 8.5 sacks ranked second on the Bengals behind Geno Atkins and led all NFL rookies, earning him a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team.
Lawson’s 2018 season ended prematurely when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Week 8. The Bengals placed him on injured reserve on November 5, 2018, ending his campaign after eight games. Despite the injury, Lawson had established himself as a disruptive edge defender whose best years appeared to lie ahead.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2017–2020)
Lawson returned to the Bengals in 2019 determined to reclaim his form after the 2018 injury setback. He worked through the recovery process and continued to develop as a pass rusher. The 2020 season marked his fourth and final campaign in Cincinnati, where he remained a key component of the Bengals’ defensive line rotation.
During his four seasons with the Bengals, Lawson built a reputation as a relentless edge defender. His rookie season sack total of 8.5 remained a personal best, and his ability to pressure quarterbacks consistently made him a valued asset in Cincinnati’s defensive scheme. The Bengals chose not to renew his contract following the 2020 season.
New York Jets Era (2021–2023)
On March 18, 2021, the New York Jets signed Carl Lawson to a three-year, 45 million United States dollars contract. The deal represented a significant investment and signaled the Jets’ confidence in his ability to anchor their pass rush. Lawson was expected to become a cornerstone of the Jets’ defense in the coming seasons.
On August 19, 2021, during a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers, Lawson suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in his left leg. The injury was confirmed by MRI and immediately ended his 2021 season before it began. The setback was a major disappointment for Lawson and the Jets organization, requiring another extended rehabilitation period.
Lawson returned in the 2022 season and played through 2023, regaining his role as a rotational pass rusher for the Jets. Across his tenure with New York, he continued to add to his NFL career totals while managing the physical demands that followed his Achilles recovery. His contract concluded after the 2023 season.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2024)
On August 19, 2024, Carl Lawson signed with the Dallas Cowboys. The signing brought a veteran edge presence to a Cowboys defense looking to strengthen its pass rush. Lawson was released by the team on August 27 but was quickly re-signed to the practice squad the same day.
Lawson was promoted to the active roster on October 9, 2024, making him eligible to contribute in regular-season games. His time with the Cowboys, though brief in terms of active roster status, provided another opportunity to compete at the NFL level and showcase his experience as an edge defender.
Baltimore Ravens Era (2025)
Carl Lawson joined the Baltimore Ravens when he signed to their practice squad on October 23, 2025. The move reunited him with an AFC contender as the Ravens pursued their 2025 playoff goals. Lawson was released on December 9, 2025, concluding a brief stint with the team.
Driving Style and Strengths
Lawson is a natural edge rusher who relies on explosive first-step quickness, strong hands, and relentless effort to pressure quarterbacks. His college production at Auburn and early NFL success were rooted in his ability to beat offensive tackles off the line of scrimmage. He uses a variety of pass-rush moves including a powerful bull rush and an effective rip move to create separation and disrupt pocket integrity.
Notable Events and Milestones
Lawson’s 8.5 sacks as an NFL rookie in 2017 established him as one of the most productive first-year pass rushers in recent Bengals history. His selection to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team remains one of the defining achievements of his career. Surviving multiple significant injuries throughout his career—including two torn anterior cruciate ligaments and a ruptured Achilles tendon—and continuing to play at the NFL level represents one of his most notable accomplishments.
Carl Lawson Career Wins
Carl Lawson has accumulated 135 total tackles and 32 career sacks across his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, and Baltimore Ravens. His sack production and tackle totals reflect his consistent presence as a rotational and starting edge defender throughout his time in the league.
National Football League Highlights
Lawson’s eight and a half sacks as a rookie in 2017 remain his single-season career high and led all first-year players in the NFL that year. He has added to his sack total in subsequent seasons, demonstrating his ability to recover from injuries and continue to pressure opposing quarterbacks. His career totals of 135 tackles, 32 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery illustrate his impact as a defensive playmaker.
Other Wins and Performances
At Milton High School, Lawson was one of the most decorated defensive players in Georgia, with 27 senior-year sacks highlighting an already impressive high school career. His selection as a consensus five-star recruit and First-team All-American honors at Auburn underscore the caliber of play he demonstrated before entering the National Football League.
College Career Highlights
Lawson earned First-team All-American and First-team All-Southeastern Conference honors in 2016, his final season at Auburn University. He finished his college career with 20 tackles and four sacks as a true freshman before injuries interrupted his sophomore and junior seasons. His strong senior campaign restored his draft stock and positioned him for a successful NFL career.
Carl Lawson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Lawson’s family background includes an Olympic athletic connection through his grand-uncle, who shares his name and represented Jamaica as a sprinter at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany. The presence of elite-level athletes in his family tree reflects a broader athletic heritage that preceded his own professional football career.
Personal Life
Carl Lawson began a relationship with Olympic discus thrower Rachel Dincoff after the two met at Auburn University. Dincoff represented the United States at the Olympic Games and built an international throwing career while Lawson developed as a college football player at the same institution. There are no publicly confirmed details regarding children, marriage, or other personal milestones beyond this relationship.
2025 Season Performance
Carl Lawson joined the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad on October 23, 2025, adding veteran edge-rushing depth to a Ravens defense that remained competitive in the AFC playoff picture. The signing represented an opportunity for Lawson to contribute to a contending team while continuing to work toward extending his NFL career.
Lawson remained with the Ravens through the 2025 regular season and was released on December 9, 2025. His time in Baltimore, though brief, gave him the chance to participate in practice and game preparation alongside one of the league’s top defensive units. The 2025 season continued Lawson’s pattern of seeking opportunities to add value to NFL rosters as a veteran rotational defender.