Jadeveon Clowney came into the NFL with a lot of hype surrounding him. He was a highlight machine collegiately at South Carolina and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Clowney hasn’t exactly lived up to the expectations of a first overall pick, as he never turned into the dominant pass rusher many expected. But, he is a legitimate difference-maker in the run game and has been a solid player throughout his career.
Injuries have been an issue, playing an entire regular season only once in his career. But, when healthy, he consistently gets into the opponent’s backfield, whether it is passing the rusher or pursuing a ball carrier. Clowney may not be a go-to pass rusher, but he can be relied upon as a great No. 2 that can set the edge in the run game.
That is the role he filled opposite of Myles Garrett with the Cleveland Browns in 2021 and the results were excellent. He racked up nine sacks, with 19 quarterback hits, in 14 games to go along with 11 tackles for loss.
Cleveland would assuredly love to bring him back, but he will receive a lot of interest in free agency. Where could he end up? Here are three teams who should pursue Clowney in free agency.
3. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos made a big move ahead of the deadline last season, trading long-time pass rusher Von Miller to the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams. Replacing him is easier said than done, but Jadeveon Clowney would be a good target.
There will be a lot of attention paid to the quarterback position in defender this season, and rightfully so. If they can land someone such as Aaron Rodgers, they should be going all-in on a Super Bowl run and someone like Clowney would be a perfect target.
Clowney would combine with Bradley Chubb, Shelby Harris and Dre’Mont Jones to make a solid defensive front that can get after the quarterback and stop the run.
2. Minnesota Vikings
There are some cap issues to iron out with the Minnesota Vikings, but it is clear they need to do some work on the defensive side of the ball. Their pass defense was graded very poorly, which could have partly been an extension of the pass rush not getting after the quarterback consistently enough.
Danielle Hunter has been excellent when he is healthy, the problem is he cannot stay on the field. He missed the entire 2020 season following neck surgery and tore his pectoral after seven games in 2021.
In those seven games, Hunter picked up six sacks. If they can find a way to alleviate their salary cap concerns without parting ways with Hunter, he and Jadeveon Clowney could combine for a solid duo in the front seven.
1. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots would be an ideal landing spot for Jadeveon Clowney. They have a strong defense already in place but could use a little boost, which he would provide.
In New England, Clowney wouldn’t be relied upon as the focal point of the defense. He would be able to blend in as a complementary piece, something he seems to be a better fit for. With Matt Judon locked in as the No. 1 pass rusher, Clowney could slide into a No. 2 role he thrives in.
The Patriots also struggled to slow opponents down on the ground last season, ranking 22nd in rushing yards allowed. Clowney would help shore that up and get New England back on track as an elite defensive unit, as they had one of the best passing defenses in the league in 2021.
