There’s a new team in play for Jadeveon Clowney ahead of NFL training camps, as the Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly extended a contract offer.
Raiders HC Jon Gruden ‘REALLY’ wants Jadeveon Clowney
Cecil Lammey of 104.3 The Fan shared that the Raiders offered Clowney a contract that’s not as good as a few others. He also mentioned that Gruden “REALLY” wants Clowney but that the team’s executive branch is “standing pat” for now, despite Gruden wanting to up the offer.
It’s interesting to note that, at least from this report, Gruden is being overruled by general manager Mike Mayock. Remember, when he was hired, it was widely reported that Gruden was going to be the real decision-maker for the Raiders. Apparently, he’s not quite as powerful within the organization from a roster-building standpoint as we’ve been led to believe.
Raiders’ roster could use Jadeveon Clowney
It makes sense that Gruden would want another impact defender on the defensive line. Especially considering the fact that last year’s first-round pick (No. 4 overall) Clelin Ferrell didn’t contribute as much as the team wanted him to. During his rookie season, Ferrell was credited with just 4.5 sacks and 24 solo tackles.
Last season, the Raiders tallied just 32 sacks throughout the season, ranking eighth-worst in the NFL.
The team has loaded up on offense this past offseason and has a chance to make a splash in the highly competitive AFC West. However, if the defense doesn’t significantly improve, that will be hard to achieve.
Jadeveon Clowney didn’t put up jaw-dropping stats last year but is a star
A former No. 1 overall pick of the Houston Texans, Clowney was traded to the Seattle Seahawks before last season began. He put together his worst statistical season since his injury-filled rookie campaign, logging just three sacks. However, he also forced four fumbles, recovered two and came up with one of the most impressive touchdowns from any defender in the league (watch here).
Though his stats weren’t impressive, Clowney continued to prove he’s an elite edge defender. And he did it while suffering through a core muscle injury that required offseason surgery. Now looking absolutely shredded, the motivated defensive end will be a huge value signing whenever he does ink a contract this summer.