NFL 2021 free agency: Raiders’ case for signing Carl Lawson

I didn’t list Cincinnati Bengals’ pass rusher Carl Lawson on my poll list for your dream defensive free agent signing for the Las Vegas, in a post earlier Thursday.

That doesn’t mean Lawson wouldn’t be a solid get for the Raiders next week. He is a fine pass rusher and he should be one of the impactful and attractive players on the market. The Raiders will definitely be in the market for pass-rushers but securing Lawson will not be easy for any team.

Lawson, who turns 26 in June, is going to be a hot commodity. In an interview with The Athletic, the 2017 fourth-round draft pick out of Auburn said there is still a chance he can return to the Bengals, but he expects his market to be stout.

I have seen several teams being connected to Lawson in free agency, including the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns and the Tennessee Titans. So, Las Vegas will have competition if it wants to make a run at Lawson. But that will be said for all the better pass nrushers.

Yet, Lawson will likely be worth trying to win a bidding war for as long as the money doesn’t get too crazy. I can see him being a good pairing with Maxx Crosby in Las Vegas. Lawson had 5.5 sacks last season, but he has potential to deliver double-digit sacks and he and Crosby could grow together.

Again, he may not be a top free agent prize, but Lawson is certainly worth pursuing for the Raiders.