Jadeveon Clowney looks set to continue his search for a permanent home in the NFL as a free agent in 2022. Coming off a 9-sack season in Cleveland, Clowney ranks 12th in PFN’s Top 75 Free Agents in 2022. Could a strong showing in Cleveland give Clowney a big market this offseason, and where might his potential landing spots be?
Predictions for free agent Jadeveon Clowney
Heading into 2019, Clowney was given the franchise tag by the Houston Texans. Coming off back-to-back 9-sack seasons, Clowney appeared to be at his peak. Following a trade to Seattle that offseason, he struggled for traction and had just 3 sacks combined between 2019 and 2020. However, 2021 was somewhat of a rebound for the 2014 No. 1 selection. With 9 sacks in 14 games, Clowney’s value is somewhat close to being back to his peak.
The question is what sort of market will form. Clowney has played on three one-year deals. At 29 years of age, the clock is ticking for Clowney to get that career-defining long-term deal. Spotrac’s market value for Clowney indicates this offseason could be the one. They have Clowney projected for $12.7 million per year across a four-year deal. How close he gets to that will depend on how the rest of the EDGE market plays out this offseason.
Clowney’s best landing spots
Clowney’s potential destination this offseason is fascinating. If he wants a long-term contract, the market should be there. However, if he wants to prioritize chasing a Super Bowl, there could be the option to take another short-term deal. Depending on the destination in terms of salary cap space, the value of that short-term deal could be extremely wide-ranging.
Denver Broncos
Right now, the Broncos are shaping up to be the potential ultimate destination for an edge rusher. The trade for Russell Wilson has made the Broncos instant competitors in the AFC. Nonetheless, because of the way Wilson’s contract shapes up following the trade, they still have the cap space to make key additions to the roster.
Their pass rush could be the key addition that they need. They have elements they need to address on the three levels of their defense, as well as on the offensive line. However, a pass-rush addition like Clowney could tick a couple of those boxes. A better pass rush will help the defensive back situation and decrease the need for any major additions. The Broncos desperately need a pass rusher. Clowney could provide both short-term and long-term upside for a roster that could challenge for the next few years.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars could be in play for Clowney, but they may decide he is a luxury item. They have Josh Allen and K’Lavon Chaisson, but having three quality edge rushers can make a huge difference to any defense. The big question for new head coach Doug Pederson is, do they look to add another option in the draft rather than NFL free agency?
If we see the Jaguars going hard in the pass-rush market this year, it will be telling about the Jaguars’ ambitions. If they look to the draft and stay out of the free agent market, it might suggest they feel they are a year or two away still. However, if they go hard for a player like Clowney or Von Miller, it would indicate they feel their roster can challenge in the AFC in the next year or two. With Trevor Lawrence on his rookie deal, the Jaguars have the cap space to take the gamble this offseason.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams or Chargers looked like a potential destination for Clowney, but that was before the Mack trade. Now it is really just the Rams, and that would likely be a short-term deal. This will be an interesting test of what Clowney prioritizes at this stage of his career. Will he be willing to take less to chase a Super Bowl with the Rams?
New York Jets
Playing in both Seattle and Cleveland in the past three years has proven Clowney is a versatile pass rusher. He spent the majority of his time playing in a 3-4 scheme in Houston but has been able to adapt to a base that has a variety of looks. That means there is a potential fit in New York with the Jets.
The Jets have a young roster, but with Zach Wilson on his rookie deal, they need to start making strides towards challenging sooner rather than later. With John Franklin-Myers and Carl Lawson, they already have two talented pass rushers. Lawson is coming off of an injury, and Clowney could provide them a boost in a regular role or a rotation. The Jets will likely have to pay over the odds. However, with so many needs, Clowney could be viewed as a luxury addition.