When it comes to Jadeveon Clowney rumors during free agency, we should be used to a slow and steady pace by now. He has now been a free agent in each of the last three offseasons, and on all those occasions, the market has been slow. With the EDGE position as a whole not making big waves yesterday, let’s take a look at what rumors we’ve heard about Clowney and his potential destinations in the coming days.
Jadeveon Clowney free agency rumors
Outside of Haason Reddick agreeing to terms with Philadelphia on Monday, it was a slow day for the pass-rush market. Entering Tuesday, Clowney, Von Miller, Chandler Jones, and the newly-released Za’Darius Smith are all still seemingly available.
Regarding Clowney and rumors of his destination, early on Monday, Josina Anderson tweeted that “Clowney will take his time and look at every opportunity in free agency.” She then went on to say that “several teams are interested, per league source.” With so much in flux at the position, letting things play out could be smart for Clowney. Reddick set a provisional market at $15 million per year, but Miller and Jones could move that market significantly when they sign.
However, on Tuesday afternoon, PFN’s NFL Insider and Chief Draft Analyst Tony Pauline had the following update:
“The Browns have not ruled out bringing back Jadeveon Clowney, who had 9 sacks for the team last year. Cleveland has been comparing the contracts recently signed by free agent edge rushers as well as those edge rushers who signed reworked deals. I’m told the Browns would be open to offering Clowney a contract similar to, if not slightly less, than the one just signed by Preston Smith to stay with the Packers.”
Here are some of the potential spots that remain in play for Clowney this offseason.
Cleveland Browns
Clowney appeared to reinvigorate his career in Cleveland last year. He had 9 sacks in 14 games and has clearly impressed the franchise. The deal that Smith signed is worth $52 million over four years. It contained a $12.2 million signing bonus, but there were no further guarantees in the contract. Last year, Clowney signed a one-year pact worth $8 million to join the Browns. If he is signed before the deal voids on March 16, the Browns can avoid $2.7 million in prorated signing bonus accelerating onto their cap number in 2022.
Carolina Panthers
With Reddick seemingly set for the Eagles, the Panthers have a need for a versatile pass rusher in their rotation. They released Morgan Fox on Monday, leaving them with a trio of Brian Burns, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Frankie Luvu. That group is fine, but Clowney would definitely be an addition worth their while if they can make it work.
To some extent, the Panthers’ plans are on hold until Deshaun Watson makes his decision. They need the available salary cap space to be able to absorb Watson’s contract if he chooses them. Therefore, this may be a team we see active in the second wave of free agency towards the back end of the week. If Clowney is willing to sit and wait, he could profit if the Panthers are scrambling after potentially losing out on Watson.
Chicago Bears
The Bears have a need at pass rush after trading away Khalil Mack. Putting a player of Clowney’s quality opposite Robert Quinn could be one that has great success for the Bears.
Clowney’s versatility across different schemes would make him a good fit, and the Bears are rich with cap space following the trade. This would be an almost perfect move to mitigate the departure of Mack and still keep the defense at the top of its game.
Detroit Lions
The rumors that Trey Flowers is on his way out of Detroit opens up another market for Clowney. Charles Harris is also a free agent, so the Lions will be down two of their top pass rushers as it stands.
The Lions are building for the future, so they would likely be looking for a longer-term deal. Therefore, they may have to pay slightly over the projected market value for Clowney ($12.9 million). Nevertheless, this could be a somewhat surprising move that works for both sides. Clowney can get some long-term security, and the Lions can get a veteran pass rusher, as they look to turn around their fortunes in the next couple of seasons.
Additionally, the Lions appear in play to add a pass rusher in the 2022 NFL Draft. Therefore, a veteran like Clowney could be a perfect mentor as a previous high draft pick at the position himself.
Los Angeles Rams
If Clowney is looking shorter-term and wants to win a Super Bowl, this might be the option for him. The rumors early on are that the Rams are pushing to bring Miller back, but Clowney could be the option if that falls through. It would be a surprise if the Rams do not look to add at least one pass rusher, and Clowney would be a good fit for their scheme.