Free agency has been eventful and many players have found new deals on the open market, but there is one talented pass-rusher who is still searching for a new NFL home. For the second time in as many years, Jadeveon Clowney is testing the free-agency waters. The former No. 1 overall pick took his time in choosing a new team last year after his one season with the Seattle Seahawks, and finally settled on signing a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans that had a reported max value of $15 million. Unfortunately the move did not work out for either side, as Clowney recorded just 19 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, one forced fumble and zero sacks in eight games played.
Now, Clowney will again test the market to see how much money he can make. Below, we will break down the top landing spots for Clowney, size up his strengths and weaknesses and then list all of the news concerning the star defensive end and his potential next gig. If you’re interested in Clowney’s journey in free agency, this is the place to be.
Clowney’s market-value projection
According to Spotrac’s market value projection tool, Clowney could sign a one-year, $6.5 million deal, which is virtually half of what he made in 2020 with the Titans. This $6.5 million deal would make him the 29th highest-paid defensive end in the league. The Titans have just $1.8 million in available cap space, according to Over The Cap.
Top free agent landing spots for Clowney
Pass-rushers are valued highly on the open market, so there are going to be more than just a couple of teams interested in Clowney’s services. But with this offseason’s cap situation, there are going to be clubs who are interested in Clowney but may not be in a situation to pursue him. One team that stands out as a landing spot for Clowney is the Cleveland Browns, as they could be aggressive this offseason. The Browns are coming off of their best season in years, and have a little over $20 million in cap space to work with. They are a team in the running for Watt, so landing a big-time EDGE seems high on their to-do list. Another team that could land Clowney is a rival of the Titans, and that’s the Indianapolis Colts. They reportedly have the fourth-most cap space in the league entering March, so they are a candidate to sign Clowney if he’s someone they target. Finally, returning to the Titans is an option that is certainly in the cards. Tennessee’s cap situation is nothing to gloat about, but it’s been reported both sides would be open to running it back in 2021. The Titans desperately need pass-rushers, and while Clowney didn’t record a sack last year, head coach Mike Vrabel liked how disruptive he was in his scheme.
1. Cleveland Browns
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Tennessee Titans
Scouting report on Clowney (pros and cons)
Pros:
- Quick and physical off the edge
- Opens up his teammates by drawing double-teams
- Great size
Cons:
- Injury prone. Has played 16 games just once in seven years
- Inconsistency issues
Free agent timeline
Browns courting Jadeveon Clowney once again, meet with pass-rusher
March 24: The Cleveland Browns played host to pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney on a free agent visit on Wednesday, according to the league’s transaction wire. While the club is getting some one-on-one time with the former No. 1 overall pick, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports that a signing that would make Clowney the newest member of the organization is not imminent.
Read more from Tyler Sullivan’s story, here.
Clowney underwent season-ending knee surgery ahead of Week 13
Feb. 6: The ship has been righted for the Tennessee Titans following a rough stretch that saw them lose three of four games, having now won two straight, albeit without veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney. The 27-year-old was recently placed on injured reserve with a meniscus issue in his knee, and surgery had not yet been ruled out as an option to repair it. Having not played since Week 10, Clowney took time to make a decision on the latter but seemingly did this past week, having reportedly undergone surgery on Wednesday — per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network — ending his season.
Read more from Patrik Walker’s story, here.