It seems like a decade has passed since Jadeveon Clowney first hit the free-agent market in mid-March. At the time, the star defensive end and the first-overall first-team thought he was going to break the bank and potentially sign a market reset agreement worth more than $ 20 million per year.
But with his first attempt at free agency coinciding with the pandemic of our lives, Clowney received nothing like the offers he thought he would receive for a variety of reasons. After surgery, other potential teams were unable to take him for a physical examination, and several teams reportedly freaked out from microfracture knee surgery. He also produced just 3.0 sacks for the Seahawks last season, making some wonder if a top-tier deal was worth it.
For several months, the chances of Clowney ending up back in Seattle appear to be dire at best. The Seahawks made multiple informed offers in an effort to retain him, including a one-year deal to allow him to return to the market in 2021, but he rejected those proposals. Other teams like Titans, Raiders and Browns have examined closely, but none have found what they are looking for financially so far and the defender has chosen to sit down.
However, after a successful trade to acquire the safety of the Jets, Jamal Adams, could Clowney change his mind? And do the Seahawks have the financial capabilities to make one last run against him?
All along, general manager John Schneider has been adamant that Seattle would love to have Clowney, calling him a “disruptive” force on the field and keeping the door open to re-sign him. The player has expressed mutual interest in a meeting on numerous occasions, praising Pete Carroll and the coaching staff and culture they have helped instill.
But the Seahawks, like any other interested suitor, have either been unwilling or unable to meet their financial demands. As a result, Clowney has been in no rush to sign, working in Houston and waiting for the “right opportunity”, whether in Seattle or playing elsewhere.
As the calendar draws closer to August and the camps open amid great uncertainty, time is running out for Clowney to make a decision on where to play in 2020. Although the Seahawks have been running for months under the presumption that the Star Defender would not return for a second season, both sides should be interested in finding a way to reach an agreement on the eve of camp.
From Clowney’s perspective, it should be evident at this point that no team will open the checkbook and come close to paying what they thought was worth it. Multi-year deals haven’t been on the table for months, so why not go back to Seattle where she meets the staff, knows the plan, and with the arrival of Adams, should have a better deal around her?
Given those factors that work in his favor, a completely healthy Clowney could turn a one-year “try it” deal worth less than the perceived market value into a much more lucrative contract next spring, when the pandemic is under better control. And if you want to play for a contender like you claimed in January, you’ll have a hard time finding a better chance of winning a Super Bowl than with the Seahawks.
As for Seattle, even after signing Benson Mayowa and Bruce Irvin in free agency and recruiting Darrell Taylor and Alton Robinson in April, there is no denying that Clowney would immediately bolster a defensive line that lacks star power. It’s the kind of game changer the unit lacks and with improved depth and talent around it, its output could be much better than a year ago.
The biggest hurdle remains financial, as the Seahawks currently have $ 14.436 million in estimated cap space and still have six draft picks left to sign. If Clowney still wants $ 15-16 million in a one-year contract, some moves will have to be made to create the cap flexibility needed to sign him.
One way Schneider could save an additional $ 4 million in capitalization space would be to release two of Seattle’s restricted free-agent signings, which include defensive end Branden Jackson, wide receiver David Moore, center Joey Hunt and tight end Jacob. Hollister. Any one of those four players could be released without taking a dead limit hit. By Aaron Fentress of Oregon Live, Jackson has already been released, which could be the first domino to fall.
Should the Seahawks need more financial help, cut linebacker KJ Wright would generate $ 6.5 million in capitalization space. But that seems highly unlikely, especially after the veteran hit career highs in tackles and interceptions last season.
With only a few days left for players to report, it is unclear whether or not Schneider will make a final run at Clowney. But after swapping multiple first-round picks for Adams, the organization is clearly in full mode looking for another Super Bowl and should make all the stops to make sure it returns in the Seahawks’ uniform next season.
