Tennessee Titans: 5 Realistic free agent targets for 2020
By John Laird
4. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE, Seattle Seahawks
Since the season concluded, Jadeveon Clowney has made it clear that he prefers to play for a team that’s capable of a Super Bowl run. With the Tennessee Titans needing help at the edge position, the pairing makes sense on multiple fronts. Other than Harold Landry, there are no other players on the roster who can create consistent pressure off the edge.
There’s also the obvious relationship between Clowney and Vrabel to consider during their time together in Houston. Clowney has had some high praise for his former position coach/defensive coordinator, going as far as to say, “Mike Vrabel might be the smartest coach I’ve ever had.” Current outside linebackers coach Shane Bowen has also spent time with Clowney and Vrabel in Houston.
While the former South Carolina Gamecock is coming off his worst statistical season (sack wise) since 2015, there’s no doubt that the addition of Clowney would give the Titans a defensive dynamic they haven’t had since circa 2008.
Having Clowney and Landry on opposite sides of the line of scrimmage is already a daunting task for opposing offensive lines. But when you also factor in Jurrell Casey and Jeffery Simmons wreaking havoc in the middle, it’s a recipe for instant success up front.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that the Titans lacked overall speed (in all phases) when they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. Clowney doesn’t fix all those issues defensively but he gives the Titans a ton of help where they desperately need it. Some may be wary of his price tag, but with Landry and Simmons still on their rookie contracts, it’s a move Robinson doesn’t seem too scared to make (per ESPN).
It’s crucial that the Titans’ front-seven can create pressure on their own and not have it schemed up for them regularly. This will make the secondary’s job a whole lot easier when trying to cover weapons such as the ones on the Chiefs.