Jadeveon Clowney remains a free agent more than three months after free agency began. After a quiet offseason for one of the NFL’s most talented edge rushers, could he now be looking to sign with the Dallas Cowboys?
Jadeveon Clowney interested in Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints
Clowney came into the offseason seeking a market-setting contract and wanting to sign with a Super Bowl contender. Now that the three-time Pro Bowl selection’s dreams of a huge deal are gone, he seems to be focused on joining a championship-caliber roster.
According to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline, Clowney would now be happy signing a “decent” one-year offer with a playoff contender. Right at the top of his wish list, the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints.
However, per Pauline, it’s not known whether or not the Saints or Cowboys would be interested in signing him this late in the summer. It would be particularly difficult given both teams likely don’t have the cap space to offer him what he wants.
While Clowney’s market hasn’t been robust this offseason, the 27-year-old has drawn interest from a few contenders. The Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans have each discussed signing Clowney.
Why is Jadeveon Clowney still a free agent?
Clowney came into the NFL with the spotlight on him as the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, in part thanks to his iconic hit against the Michigan Wolverines. However, he hasn’t quite lived up to his potential thus far.
In his first two seasons with the Houston Texans, Clowney played in just 17 games and recorded only 4.5 sacks with 11 tackles for loss and eight quarterbacks hits. However, it all seemed to come together for him in his final three seasons in Houston.
After earning second-team All-Pro honors and making his first trip to the Pro Bowl in 2016, Clowney became a force in 2017 and ’18. He recorded 18.5 sacks and 42 quarterback hits across his previous two seasons.
Following the trade to the Seahawks, everything unraveled. He started just 11 games and registered three sacks with seven tackles for loss. Between injuries and inconsistency, he entered the market at the worst time.
NFL teams are reportedly concerned not just about his durability, but they doubt his work ethic and question his dedication to football. As a result, no team has been willing to come near his asking price.
All of that could change if Clowney is willing to take a cheap, one-year deal this season and bets on himself. He is still incredibly talented, both as an edge rusher and run defender, with the potential to become an All-Pro linebacker once again. If he signs with a contender, that could be the type of move that pays off with a Super Bowl ring.