Following months of negotiations with star edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, many NFL teams have grown tired of the dance and moved on from the Pro Bowl outside linebacker. It now seems Clowney’s contract demands aren’t the only thing preventing him from being signed.
Coming off a year that saw the three-time Pro Bowl selection traded to the Seattle Seahawks for a third-round pick, only to then record three sacks in a contract year, NFL teams reportedly have key questions about Clowney.
NFL teams question Jadeveon Clowney’s dedication to mental side of the game
Jadeveon Clowney entered the offseason hoping to become one of the NFL’s highest-paid players, seeking an extension worth approximately $20 million per season. However, the star edge rusher soon found that NFL teams weren’t as enamored with him and he was walking into a weak market.
In addition to concerns over his durability and doubts about his work ethic, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, multiple NFL teams question Clowney’s dedication to the mental aspect of football. In the eyes of several evaluators, Clowney’s game tape reflects a player who relies on his physical ability and isn’t developing his technique or approach as much as he should.
Clowney, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, has flashed incredible talent across six NFL seasons. Before being traded to the Seahawks, he recorded 18.5 sacks and 42 quarterback hits across his previous two seasons. He also was a dominant force against the run, part of the reason Seattle acquired him.
A down season in 2019 could be explained by the fact he played through a core muscle injury. It kept him out of three games and limited him in 11 appearances, impacting his explosiveness and strength.
Jadeveon Clowney still drawing interest
While there might be multiple corners, NFL teams still showed interest in him. The Seattle Seahawks wanted him back this offseason and they aren’t the only organization believing they can unlock greatness. The Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans have all either made him an offer or reached out to his side.
We likely won’t see Clowney sign until training camp, but he will almost certainly be on the field for the 2020 NFL season. Whichever team he signs with, we expect Clowney to make a significant impact this year.