Carl Lawson was on the market for almost two months during the NFL season. He waited patiently, knowing that an opportunity would arise. It had to be the perfect opportunity.

Lawson was aware of a few “hints” throughout his eight-year NFL tenure that he might one day be a Raven. Lawson wrote a letter to the Ravens, even though they were 1-5. They wanted help and an opportunity for real playing time.

Lawson joined Baltimore’s practice team and took to the field on Friday for his first training. According to John Harbaugh’s head coach, he will not play against the Chicago Bears two days later, but the Ravens still believe that he can help them with their pass rush.

The Ravens have eight sacks, which is tied with the NFL’s fewest. Tavius Robinson, a fellow outside linebacker who was injured the following game after the Ravens traded Odafe Oweh with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Harbaugh commented, “He looks in good shape.” “We’ve played him a lot. We respect him a great deal. He’s a really nice guy. A player who is smart and experienced. “That’s a great thing.”

Lawson said he had other opportunities to play this season but chose not to.

Lawson has been a Baltimore native for a long time, even though he joined the Ravens in the middle of the season. For his first four years, he played against the Ravens as a Cincinnati Bengal in the AFC North.

Lawson worked with Ravens Pass Rush coach Chuck Smith while he was still a Bengal and for many years after. Lawson has several close friends who are also on the Ravens team, including Ronnie Stanley and John Jenkins.

Lawson said that he looked up to former Ravens pass-rushers Terrells Suggs, and Elvis Dumervil. He also stated that he has been a big fan of Kyle Van Noy since a very long time. Van Noy, who came to Baltimore in 2023 four games into his season, had some of his best years during his 30s. Lawson, who turns 30 in June, wants to achieve the same.

Lawson stated, “I believe that you should strive to improve every year no matter if you are a veteran, a young player or an older one.” “I’ve watched [Van Noy] for a while and today I told him, ‘Yeah man, I like to see it’.”

Lawson has had to deal with injuries. He suffered an Achilles rupture in 2021, just months after signing a three-year $45 million contract with the New York Jets. He’s now had a healthy offseason, and he feels ready to make an impact.

Lawson stated, “I am able to do everything at an extremely high level.” “My thing is always being consistent and healthy with that part.”