Top remaining pass rusher and former Baltimore Raven, Jadeveon Clowney may land with the New York Jets this offseason in free agency. It’s a busy week for New York as they’re hosting wide receiver Mike Williams today and Clowney next after his visit. Both are highly intriguing targets for the team, especially Clowney who could replace Bryce Huff after signing with the Eagles. Clowney played on a $2.5 million deal last year with the Ravens so the asking price wouldn’t be much.
It would make sense since he probably won’t be asking for a lot of money so that saves Jets the trouble in their salary cap. They may have Will McDonald potentially be the next successor of Huff, but it might not be the best time yet. Clowney notched last season with 9.5 sacks, 19 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles along with his highest pressure rate. According to Pro Football Focus, they are projecting him to get a one-year, $9 million deal with a new team.
He’s the best remaining pass rusher coming out of the 2014 NFL Draft with the first-overall pick drafted by the Houston Texans. Clowney has been bouncing around the team’s one-year contracts so he could get a long-term deal like two or three years. The South Carolina product is entering age 31 and he could sign with a team that is likely to go all the way to the promised land. Clowney also visited with the Carolina Panthers as well to explore his options.
There is a chance that he could return to the Ravens, but he may be thinking of other plans. It could come down to whoever pays him the most. However, if it’s a contender like the Chiefs then he’ll take a one-year deal.
Top Remaining Pass Rusher Jadeveon Clowney May Land With New York Jets
Is There a Bidding War Over the Star Pass Rusher?
Unlike the Jets, the Panthers have the means and need to pay someone like Clowney. According to OverTheCap, the Panthers have $19 million in cap space so it’s a chunk of money to sign the 10-year veteran. They have a severe need to add a pass rusher after losing Brian Burns in free agency. According to Bleacher Report, the potential homecoming of Clowney could land with the Panthers to replace Burns although it won’t be easy.
It’s never easy to start from scratch for any team that is in rebuilding mode. However, it’ll be up to Clowney if he wants to head to a team starting from square one. Clowney could be capable of doing that under a one-year deal. The thing is that he may tired of jumping ship to every team in the league under yearly contracts.
The best option may be striking a two-year deal with the Jets under franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning. Jets’ General Manager Joe Douglas is shying away from overpaying at positions at need. So if the Panthers are offering a long-term four-year deal in a blockbuster deal, then Clowney may land there.
Other Potential Fits for Clowney
While the Panthers and Jets could go at it, other teams could fit with Clowney. He could eventually follow the new head coach for the Seattle Seahawks, Mike Macdonald. This coach helped Clowney in most of the success that he has now. While it was one year he played for him, it paid for Clowney.
He may even return to Baltimore on a new deal. The Ravens should prioritize bringing Clowney back after the season he had. He could be one of one of those situational pass rushers that the organization desperately needs.
