The Jadeveon Clowney saga started at the beginning of the season when the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints were hot on the tails of trying to sign the seventh-year defensive end. The former number one pick by the Houston Texans had a rocky season in 2020, but has had a very solid career to this point.
Clowney, a 6-foot-5 defensive end, ultimately was signed by the Titans prior to the team’s first game in 2020, but only played in eight games and failed to record a sack. Clowney struggled with injuries and opted to end his season with a knee surgery, which could affect his value for the upcoming free agency period.
Clowney, however, has proven to be a reliable factor when healthy and has logged 255 tackles, 75 tackles for a loss, 86 quarterback hits, 32 sacks, and nine forced fumbles in his NFL career. If Clowney can stay healthy, he can be a solid defensive end to add some depth to any teams unit.
The market for Jadeveon Clowney is up in the air right now due to a wildly unproductive season, but there are sure to be some teams who would bet on his upside. Here’s a look at four NFL teams who could take a chance on Jadeveon Clowney in 2021.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns could use an improved defensive end to start opposite of Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney could be their guy. Clowney prior to the season actually declined a very wealthy offer from the Browns due to them not being a “playoff caliber team.” Now that the Browns have made the postseason, if they’re still interested, they could have a better shot at signing Clowney.
The Browns have a solid duo with Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon, but adding a rotational piece with Clowney would allow the Browns to protect their investment and allow Clowney to showcase his talents yet again. It’s uncertain whether the Browns would even pursue him again following his rough season, but if they did they could have a solid piece to add to their talented roster.
One of the hardest things to do in the NFL, especially the AFC, is get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. If the Browns can land Clowney, they’d be adding a very athletic defensive end to help chase down guys like Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes in the uber-competitive AFC.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders need to acquire a big time defensive end this offseason, and Jadeveon Clowney could be their guy. The Raiders, most of the time, don’t consider a player’s injury history when they determine whether or not they’re going to sign a guy, which could prove to be beneficial for Clowney as he searches for his new home.
The Raiders currently have a variety of guys who get playing time at defensive end including Vic Beasley, Carl Nassib, Maxx Crosby, and Arden Key, but none of those guys have proven to be an elite talent for the team. The Raiders struggle to get consistent pressure on guys like Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Drew Lock, but adding Clowney to the mix could help.
When healthy, Clowney is one of the most versatile and athletic defensive ends in the NFL and can chase down any quarterback. Clowney has proven that time and time again and if the Raiders were smart, they’d take a chance on the former number one overall pick.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts need a power house at defensive end badly. Jadeveon Clowney would be a great fit for the Colts, who are currently rolling with Denico Autry and Justin Houston in their starting lineup.
Don’t get me wrong, Autry has had his flashes of greatness and Houston is one of the best defensive ends in the past decade, but they need to add some depth to get pressure on the AFC South’s shifty signal callers. It’s uncertain how much longer Justin Houston will be playing in the NFL and by adding Clowney it gives the Colts a security blanket in case he opts to hang up the cleats.
The Colts are a young, promising team with loads of potential and Clowney coming to town could make them that much better. Clowney has all the tangibles to be an elite defensive end, and a trip to Indianapolis could allow him to prove that.
New York Giants
Jadeveon Clowney reportedly was interested in joining the New York Giants’ roster since last season and it could finally come to fruition. One of the main reasons why the Giants didn’t want to sign Clowney is because of his expensive price tag, but now that he’s had a down year, that number is sure to go down.
Clowney reportedly had the Giants at the top of his list entering last year’s free agency, and they could certainly use his services. Clowney is purely a freak athlete who would attract other free agents to New York as well, which is something new head coach Joe Judge has struggled doing so far.
Adding Clowney to the team does more than just add a solid player to the Giants’ needy roster. It adds the potential to land other big name free agents as well. The Giants should certainly look into signing Clowney this offseason.
