The 2022 NFL free agency period has been running at a furious pace. As players continue to sign during free agency, predictions for EDGE Jadeveon Clowney continue to be discussed. Which teams in need of additional pass-rush help could benefit from acquiring Clowney in free agency?
Predictions for Jadeveon Clowney in 2022 NFL free agency
If you were a top-tier edge rusher, odds are you are feeling pretty good right about now. Everyone has cashed in, including Von Miller ($120M), Maxx Crosby ($99M), Harold Landry III ($87.5M), Randy Gregory ($70M), Chandler Jones ($51M), and Haason Reddick ($45M). All of them have agreed to contracts/extensions worth over $15 million per season.
But what about Clowney? Now a full week into free agency, Clowney is the No. 1 ranked FA edge rusher remaining and is coming off a fantastic season.
Clowney played alongside Myles Garrett in Cleveland and posted 9 sacks, just a half-sack off his career-best 2017 campaign. Recording 53 total pressures, 2 forced fumbles, and 37 tackles (24 solo), Clowney re-established his standing as one of the more disruptive edge defenders in the NFL.
Still just 28 years old, Clowney has plenty of football left in him. Spotrac lists Clowney’s annual projected value at $12.7 million. Given the need for disruptive pass rushers, this could be well worth the investment for a team competing for a title in 2022.
Miami Dolphins
As PFN NFL Insider Mike Kaye writes, the Miami Dolphins have been linked with Clowney before. The Dolphins are a team on the verge of the playoffs. They are also making significant moves, having signed Terron Armstead and acquired Tyreek Hill in a blockbuster trade.
Generating pressure will be critical for the Dolphins in the AFC East. This was a strength of their team last season, as they caused pressure on 28.5% of opponents’ dropbacks (third-best in the NFL). Clowney could come in as an instant contributor while being a veteran presence for 2021 first-round pick Jaelan Phillips, who came into the NFL raw but full of promise.
Cleveland Browns
I don’t see the need to write off the Browns out of the running for Clowney. It was a mutually beneficial relationship last season that worked out for both sides. Cleveland’s acquisition of QB Deshaun Watson sent a seismic shockwave through the NFL, which will permeate into free agency. It said they want to win now at whatever the cost, both financially and morally. The news also didn’t escape Clowney, who shared a post on his Instagram of Watson in a Browns jersey.
While the team did add Taven Bryan in free agency and traded for Chase Winovich, would they say no to bringing back Clowney? I wouldn’t think so. Clowney and Garrett was a lethal duo and would remain so in 2021 while adding more depth to one of the most critical positions in the NFL. If the numbers work out, it’s easy to predict Clowney reuniting with the Browns.
Los Angeles Rams
Initial predictions pointed towards Miller coming back to chase another title with the Rams. But money talks. $120 million over six years talks even louder as Miller goes across the country to join the Buffalo Bills. So what do the Rams do now? One option could be to pair Aaron Donald with Clowney.
Clowney appeared to thrive the last season due to defenses needing to keep eyes on Garrett. The same thing could happen in LA with the focus shifted toward the interior, as Donald draws more center/guard double-teams than anyone else in the NFL. With all attention being paid to Donald, offenses can’t double both him and Clowney. The Rams continue to prove the salary cap is a myth. They can do it again with Clowney and maintain a lethal pass rush.
