Arizona had potentially looked to replace the loss of BJ Ojulari, who is now out for the season with a serious knee injury. The Cardinals also feature Zaven Collins and Dennis Gardeck at the top of their rotation, though many had hoped Ojulari’s second-year jump would have propelled the Cardinals’ pass rush to new heights.
Lawson would have been a veteran presence in the room, though he likely would have operated in just a rotational role. He played just six games last year due to injury but reached seven sacks in 2022 during his stint with the New York Jets.
Arizona did sign free agent edge Marquis Haynes Sr. in the last few days, who is already at practice ahead of the Cardinals’ first preseason game:
New #AZCardinals edge rusher Marquis Haynes Sr. pic.twitter.com/eow2Rc6gkX
— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) August 7, 2024
Other names who could step up in the desert are Victor Dimukeje, Cameron Thomas and Jesse Luketa.
Arizona also recently signed Collins to a two-year extension last weekend, so there’s hope a full offseason (after making the switch from ILB to OLB) can pay dividends for the former first-round pick.
The Cardinals host the New Orleans Saints on Saturday and are set to wrap up training camp today.
