7 high-risk free agents the Vikings could sign in 2024
By Clay Vasquez
Player No. 2
Carl Lawson - DE
2023 Team: New York Jets
The defensive end position that Carl Lawson plays may not be the exact same defensive end position in Minnesota, but with a defensive coordinator like Brian Flores, that shouldn't be an issue.
Lawson can move to an outside linebacker position very well, as his specialty in the NFL has been as a pass rusher.
The biggest issue with Lawson is the same as with Adoree' Jackson: injuries have derailed their careers in recent years.
Lawson tore his Achilles in 2021 and missed that entire season. When he returned in 2022, he produced seven sacks and one forced fumble, but the injury bug got him again in 2023 when he only played in six games.
Lawson is not someone who is going to be a 1-2 punch with Danielle Hunter (assuming Hunter returns), but Lawson has shown the ability to create problems off the edge, which is something Minnesota greatly needs.
Lawson should come with a cheap signing price, as he has missed a majority of the past three years, but he could be a high-risk pass rusher signing to help bulk that position.