Dallas Cowboys to sign veteran pass rusher Carl Lawson

OXNARD, Calif. — The Cowboys will sign defensive end Carl Lawson, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Dallas Morning News on Thursday.

Lawson’s arrival is the latest move for a defensive line that has gone through a series of changes.

Defensive end Sam Williams’ season-ending knee injury on July 28 prompted the Cowboys to find a replacement. Initially, second-round pick Marshawn Kneeland was cast as the projected starter opposite DeMarcus Lawrence.

The Cowboys also worked out three players (Shaka Toney, Al-Quadin Muhammad and Lawson) following Williams’ injury. The team signed Toney and Muhammad in early August and each played in the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams.

But Toney suffered an injury and was waived/injured by the team Wednesday. That move allowed the club to sign center/guard Cohl Cabral because the offensive line needed increased depth because of health issues.

“Marshawn’s done a nice job,” coach Mike McCarthy said before Wednesday’s practice when asked about the defensive ends. “I think, clearly, the amount of reps he received in the game is also tied to his work last week in the Rams [joint] practice. I think we got some new guys we’re still breaking in. Chauncy [Golston] has gone out there and played some end and I like what he did. He had some really good plays in the [preseason] game. The biggest thing, not only the individual, but getting the techniques, getting that part right, making sure we’re getting everything fitted together, the fundamentals, techniques and the calls.”

Defensive end isn’t the only position the Cowboys seek to upgrade.

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said he wanted to find another nose tackle for depth behind second-year player Mazi Smith.

After a difficult rookie season, a scheme change was thought to benefit Smith in his second season. He pushed back on that slightly after Wednesday’s joint practice with the Rams.

“Yeah, it ain’t the scheme,” he said. “It’s more about time and warming up to people and getting with the program and everybody getting on the same page and becoming part of the team.”

The Cowboys acquired defensive tackle Jordan Phillips in a trade with the New York Giants on Wednesday for conditional late-round 2026 draft picks.

There is familiarity with Lawson within the Cowboys’ coaching staff. Paul Guenther, the Cowboys defensive run game coordinator, was the Bengals defensive coordinator in 2017 when Lawson was drafted in the fourth round.

In six NFL seasons, Lawson has 27 sacks. Two years ago, he signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the New York Jets. In 23 games, Lawson had seven sacks before he was let go.

The Cowboys will make a roster move to clear the way for Lawson.

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