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The Las Vegas Raiders have made a contract offer for defensive end free agent Jadeveon Clowney, according to Cecil Lammey of 104.3 The Fan. The offer is supposedly lower than what two or three other teams have submitted. Lammey adds that head coach Jon Gruden really loves Clowney, but GM Mike Mayock and owner Mark Davis have been unwilling to compromise to increase financial compensation for the offer. According to the NFL Player’s Association public salary cap report updated daily, the Raiders have approximately $ 7.9 million in salary cap space. The team has already made significant monetary commitments to linebackers Nick Kwiatkoski, Cory Littleton and defensive end Carl Nassib this offseason.
Las Vegas had previously been mentioned as a potential suitor for Jaguars running back Yannick Ngakoue.
Clowney is still the best free agent on the market. The seventh-year player from outside South Carolina is better known for his ability to fill the race than for firing the quarterback. He has never logged more than 9.5 sacks in a season, which could explain why the teams have been so hesitant to split the $ 22 million (or more) he had been initially looking for. Last season, he had 31 tackles, three sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception in 13 games. Although he has only missed nine games in the past five seasons, there are concerns about core and knee injuries sustained throughout his career. During this time in our nation’s history, it is more difficult to travel and receive the medical clearance that teams will require before opening their checkbooks.
The South Carolina native had reportedly lowered his starting price to less than $ 17 million and would be content with a one or two-year contract.
The Browns are believed to have extended the most lucrative deal for Clowney, but his interest in the AFC North franchise is lacking. Faced with talented edge running back Myles Garrett, Clowney would face fewer double teams. New defensive coordinator Joe Woods comes from a 49ers system that perpetually disturbed opponents’ quarterbacks. The Titans have also expressed interest. Head coach Mike Vrabel served as the Texans’ defensive coordinator when the 27-year-old had his best passing season. The Seahawks also cannot be ruled out. Despite adding Bruce Irvin and Darrell Taylor, Seattle would be attractive because there is familiarity between the two sides.
The rim rush is the biggest fish in the pond and, after waiting so long, it doesn’t seem rushed to make a decision. NFL training camps are scheduled to begin on July 28.
