New York Jets: 3 Top-tier free agents they need to sign for 2019
2. Demarcus Lawrence, DE
Every team in the NFL needs an elite pass rusher, someone who can pressure and sack the quarterback. They’re worth their weight in gold and they may be the most impactful players on the gridiron aside from the quarterback position.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
The Jets have not had an elite edge rusher since John Abraham was a three-time Pro Bowler with Gang Green from 2000-05. That was so long ago that Herm Edwards was the head coach back then. Abraham recorded 53.5 sacks during his six seasons in New York and the Jets have been looking for a dynamic pass rusher ever since.
Enter Demarcus Lawrence. The Dallas Cowboys star is generally regarded as one of the premier pass rushers in the league. He collected 15.5 sacks last year and earned Pro Bowl honors for the first time. The Aiken, SC native has picked up where he left off last season with 8.5 sacks in 11 games for America’s team in 2018. The 6-3, 265-pounder has added 47 tackles and a 13-yard interception return as well.
Lawrence would be just what the doctor ordered for the Jets. They could team him with Leonard Williams and form a formidable one-two punch along the defensive line. If the Jets are to make any sort of headway and finally eclipse the Patriots — and capture their first divisional crown since 2002 — they need to do everything they can to ink Lawrence to a free agent contract.
Gang Green has only 22 sacks this season, ranking 26th in the NFL. Their production would change dramatically with Lawrence in the fold.