This is juicy.
The 49ers have reportedly “recently expressed an interest in (signing) free agent passing agent Jadeveon Clowney,” according to thepick6.com, who quotes a source. This report also said “nothing is imminent” and the 49ers were simply “testing the waters.”
I have no idea who thepick6.com is, or if this report is legitimate. But I love the idea of the 49ers signing Clowney. I tweeted in February that the 49ers should re-sign DeForest Buckner, let Arik Armstead go, and sign Clowney. Instead, they let Buckner leave and re-signed Armstead, who is cheaper than Buckner, so in theory the 49ers have even more money they can use to sign Clowney.
Here’s why the 49ers should seriously consider signing him, and could potentially sign him before the season begins.
1. When motivated and healthy, Clowney is as good as any 49ers defensive lineman.
He was voted No. 1 in the 2014 draft, and about once a month shows why. Last season, when he played for the Seahawks, he almost single-handedly beat the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium – he was arguably the best player on the field for any team. It was disruptive, created a rotation, and the 49ers just couldn’t block it.
But the second time the 49ers faced the Seahawks, Clowney did nothing, which is what he did most of last season, when he recorded just three sacks. So while he is able to take over the games, he does it only when he is motivated and healthy.
He should be both now.
2. The 49ers can theoretically keep Clowney motivated and healthy.
They can sign him for a one-year contract, which would keep him motivated, because he would be playing for a contract. And they can keep it healthy by using it in a pass runner rotation, so they don’t overload you. The 49ers have the deepest defensive line in the entire league.
Clowney doesn’t always play well when he’s injured: he tends to protect himself because he wants a lot of money in free agency, a lot of money he hasn’t received yet. But the 49ers can use it judiciously, so it’ll be cool and painless when you’re on the field.
So what’s in it for Clowney?
You can play with elite pass riders, increase your numbers, potentially win a Super Bowl, and revive your market value.
Win win
3. The 49ers have a salary cap to sign Clowney.
They currently have more than $ 12.1 million in capitalization space, according to overthecap.com. And they can create an additional $ 4.8 million in capitalization space by cutting guard Tom Compton and running back Tevin Coleman, who are replaceable.
Which means the 49ers can offer Clowney a one-year contract worth almost $ 17 million if they so choose. And they probably don’t have to offer you that much. They could get it for much less.
4. The 49ers certainly don’t want the Seahawks to sign Clowney.
The Seahawks just closed the gap between themselves and the 49ers in 2020 by trading for the safety of All Pro, Jamal Adams. If the Seahwks re-sign Clowney, too, they could win the NFC.
The Seahawks seem to think that Clowney will come back to them with his tail between his legs and accept any lowball deal they’ve offered him. I’m sure the 49ers would love to break in and steal Clowney away from the Seahawks in the same way that the Seahawks may have stolen Adams from the 49ers.
5. Clowney would make the 49ers pass the best in the NFL.
Imagine it.
Clowney and Nick Bosa would be the starting defensive ends, rookie Javon Kinlaw would play nose tackle and Arik Armstead would move on to the old position of DeForest Buckner: the three-technique defensive tackle. And on rushing passes, Kinlaw would go to the bench, Dee Ford would replace him on the field, and the 49ers could use a defensive tackle and three defensive ends, because Ford, Bosa and Clowney have experience running from the inside.
Armstead, Ford, Bosa and Clowney would be the best four-man passes in the NFL. And Clowney wouldn’t affect the 49ers’ cap space in the long run – it would be a one-year rental.
Sign the boy. Win the damn Super Bowl next season. Everything enters.
