After joining his third team in three seasons last fall, current Tennessee Titan edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney may very well be on the move again. The eighth-year defensive end is an unrestricted free agent, again, for the fourth straight year, and the Indianapolis Colts could be a potential landing spot.

Less than a year ago, Clowney was in this same situation in Seattle, where he chose familiarity with Mike Vrabel instead of returning to the Seahawks. Vrabel coached the Texans’ defense during Clowney’s three Pro Bowl seasons from 2016-2018. 

Still, he only signed a one-year, $13 million contract and ended up playing just eight games after having surgery on his left meniscus. In the only time he’s talked publicly about this season’s situation, he told Terry McCormick of Titan Insider that he’s is “definitely open” to signing with Tennessee for 2021.

He also had the option of going to New Orleans, who reportedly “sent an all-out blitz” to get Clowney in black and gold for the 2020 season. 

Needless to say, even with last year’s injury, Clowney will have options. Enter the Colts. 

Why It Would Work

Clowney will fill a glaring need on the Colts’ defense, and it just so happens Indianapolis has the second most available cap space in the league. 

It will all come down to money, and how much Indianapolis thinks Clowney is worth. This could bring up an issue.

Jadeveon Clowney was reported to tell the Dolphins before last March that he’s looking for $20 million per year for the the 2020 season. A big gap from his $13 million contract with Tennessee he ended up settling with. 

His decision to sign a one-year deal was most likely so he could hit the market again in search of more money this offseason. If the Colts are willing to pay more than Tennessee will, even after Clowney’s injury, they’ll be able land him. 

At the end of the 2020 season, two Colts edge rushers Justin Houston and Denico Autry became unrestricted free agents. That could lead one to believe the Colts will be in the market for multiple edge rushers this offseason and even more of a chance Clowney is pursued. 

Other edge defender fits include Tampa Bay’s Shaqil Barrett and Dallas’ Tyrone Crawford, both current unrestricted free agents. 

Jadeveon Clowney may not end up signing with the Colts, but this is an intriguing match that would make a ton of sense for both parties.