Jaguars could kick the tires on Jadeveon Clowney in free agency

Building the offense around Trevor Lawrence will be the  Jacksonville Jaguars’ main focus this offseason but their defense could also use a boost. Their secondary looks in relatively good shape but their front seven needs reinforcements. In particular, the Jags could add another pass rusher this offseason and if they want to acquire one in free agency, edge defender Jadeven Clowney will be available.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently drew up a list of the most intriguing free agents in the 2022 offseason and Clowney popped up. Knox points out that the first overall pick in 2014 has never posted double-digit sacks and has dealt with injuries throughout his eight-year career. Nevertheless, he believes Clowney is an intriguing option after having a bounce-back season with the Cleveland Browns in 2021.

"However, Clowney also had a rebound season with the Cleveland Browns in 2021. He tallied nine sacks and 32 quarterback pressures in 14 appearances. Now headed back to the open market, he is once again an intriguing option. Can Clowney stay healthy for the majority of the year? Was his 2021 production the product of playing opposite All-Pro Myles Garrett? Will the 29-year-old demand a long-term commitment after taking a one-year, $8 million “prove-it” deal this past season?"

Dating back to his college days, talent has never been an issue for Clowney. Instead, talks about signing him could center around his health. After all, he’s only suited up for a full season once and has missed a total of 32 games since 2014. Having said that, the former South Carolina Gamecock showed last season that he can be an effective pass rusher when healthy, logging nine sacks, 37 total tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles. Moreover, he’s posted a PFF overall grade of 69.1 or higher over the last six seasons.

Jadeveon Clowney could be on the Jaguars’ radar this offseason.

The Jaguars are in play to take either Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux or Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson with the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft but if they want to select Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal, they should then sign a pass rusher in free agency.

Harold Landry, Chandler Jones, and Von Miller will be the top pass rushers in the open market and the three of them should command at least $15 million per year. The Jags can easily afford to pay any of them but if they don’t want to commit that much money to one player, Jadeveon Clowney then becomes one of their best options.

Last year, Clowney signed a one-year contract worth $10 million and Spotract expects him to sign a four-year $51 million deal ($12.7 million per year) this offseason. Due to health concerns, a shorter agreement may make more sense but something along the lines of $11/12 million seems fair. Of course, the Jaguars would need to expect him to miss a few games but if he manages to stay healthy, he would be a solid addition to their front seven.

The Jaguars need to be aggressive this offseason and acquire as many playmakers as they can. While Clowney won’t garner as much attention as Landry or Jones, he could still be a solid alternative.