When the Jacksonville Jaguars traded for defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro one week before the NFL Draft, it seemed like they would turn their attention to bolstering the pass rush. However, the Jags ended up prioritizing other position groups early on, and it wasn't until Day 3 that they brought in reinforcements, Wesley Williams in Round 4 and Zach Durfee in Round 7.
Now, Williams and/or Durfee could turn out to develop into fine contributors down the road, but if the Jaguars want to give their pass rush an immediate boost, the perfect option is still out there in the market.
The Jaguars are being urged to sign Jadevon Clowney to bolster the pass rush
Zach Perales of CBS Sports took a look at every team's biggest need after the draft and a potential fix. For the Jaguars, he chose the pass rush, pointing out that they could take care of it by signing Jadevon Clowney.
"The Jaguars have had a difficult offseason, losing Devin Lloyd and Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency and having a baffling draft thereafter," Perales wrote. "Offensive line could use an upgrade or two, even after the Emmanuel Pregnon selection, but Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker desperately need some help. Clowney continued to be productive against the run and the pass."
The idea makes sense on paper. Entering Year 13, Clowney remains productive, registering 8.5 sacks in his lone season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025. Although he's had somewhat of a nomadic career arc, he's come through wherever he's landed. Dating back to 2014, the former South Carolina Gamecock has appeared in 153 games with 133 starts and registered 66.5 sacks.
Clowney could most definitely help the Jags, but like many things in life, it may come down to his salary demands. Spotrac estimated he's worth $5.7 million per year. That's not necessarily cost-prohibitive, and he may need to reduce his asking price to sign with a team.
But leaving money aside, the Jaguars could sign him right now, and it wouldn't affect the compensatory pick formula. Had they made other external additions besides running back Chris Rodriguez before the NFL Draft, they could have been at risk of losing the extra selections they acquired when they lost cornerback Greg Newsome, linebacker Devin Lloyd, and running back Travis Etienne in free agency. That will no longer be an issue.
Jadeveon Clowney could help the Jaguars fix the pass rush
Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker just popped up at No. 5 in an NFL power rankings of pass rushers. While the duo logged just 11 sacks in 2025, Walker struggled with injuries, and opposing teams could neutralize bookend Hines-Allen because Jacksonville didn't have any other playmakers in the defensive trenches.
However, Walker is back at full strength, and the team's brass fortified the interior defensive line, so Hines-Allen should find more favorable matchups up front. Having said that, having a No. 3 that can make an instant impact would allow them to stay fresh and productive throughout the game. That's where Jadeveon Clowney would come in. Then again, he wouldn't be Jacksonville's only option.
Aside from Clowney, the Jags could target Cameron Jordan, who's still productive at 36. The issue is that signing him would be a bit more expensive. Then again, he just racked up 10.5 sacks in 2025, so he would be worth it.
Either way, the Jaguars have options to solidify the rotation behind Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. And even if it's on a one-year deal, Jadevon Clowney would offer immediate help.
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