One of the top free agents that has yet to sign with a team this offseason is defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
Clowney had been looking for a deal with $20 million a season. However, he has lowered his asking price to about $17-18 million, according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini. He is ready to sign with a team that would be the best fit for him.
“I’m working, I’m staying ahead of schedule and I’m going to be ready to go when training camp starts [to be] the best Jadeveon Clowney come my day to perform and leave it all on the field,” he told Mark Berman of Fox 26. “I just want to let people know I’m ready, I’ll be ready to go whenever the time comes. Whoever I sign with will get the best version of me.”
Free agent DE Jadeveon Clowney (@clownejd) working at @PlexAthlete in Houston: “Whoever I sign with is gonna get the best version of me..I know what I got to do to get where I need to get.” (Hasn’t ruled out the @Seahawks): “I love Seattle..I love everybody on the coaching staff” pic.twitter.com/Al0dbbKQcG
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) May 6, 2020
The Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and New York Jets have all been linked to Clowney. Where will he sign?
Cleveland Browns
Browns general manager Andrew Berry hasn’t said whether the team is interested in Clowney or not. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweeted on April 4 that they did have an interest in Clowney.
“Cleveland Browns have shown interest in Jadeveon Clowney, and some people around league believe Cleveland got closer with Clowney than other suitors, though nothing ultimately happened from recent talks. Seattle’s offer hasn’t been what Clowney wants,” Fowler tweeted.
While the Browns improved their defense in the draft, adding Clowney would make their defense line one of the best in the NFL. Clowney could help the Browns make the playoffs for the first time in 18 years.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have made changes to their defensive line, trading Jurrell Casey and letting Austin Johnson become a free agent. Adding Clowney would improve their defensive line and help them stop powerful offenses. The Titans made it to the AFC championship game last year so maybe they need Clowney to make it to the Super Bowl.
Philadelphia Eagles
Clowney would fill the Eagles’ biggest need a good defensive end. Defensive end is where the Eagles need the most help and Clowney would be a huge help to them.
However, the Eagles might not be able to afford him. The Eagles are expected to be over the cap in 2021, so adding Clowney would be expensive.
Seattle Seahawks
Clowney was traded to the Seahawks before the 2019 season. He had 31 tackles, three sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception. He is open to going back to the Seahawks.
“I loved Seattle when I was there this past year. I love everyone on the coaching staff,” Clowney said. “We could work something out if anything happens. I did like it up there. I love [Russell Wilson], I love all the guys I played with.”
While Clowney is open to returning to Seattle, he would have to take significantly less money than what the Seahawks have already offered him, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN. Seattle has about $21 million in cap space and it is unlikely that they will spend money on re-signing Clowney.
Prediction
Clowney will sign with the Cleveland Browns. The Browns have reportedly gotten closer to reaching a deal with Clowney than any other team.
