Seattle Seahawks: 5 Free agents to sign before training camp
By Samuel Teets
1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE
Last year, the Seahawks acquired Jadeveon Clowney from the Houston Texans for Jacob Martin, Barkevious Mingo and a 2020 third-round draft pick. Houston willingly moved on from the Pro Bowl defensive end after the two sides could not reach a long-term contract extension. Clowney played under the franchise tag in 2019.
In his one-year stint with the Seahawks, Clowney posted his worst numbers since 2015. Injuries limited the three-time Pro Bowler to 13 appearances, during which he produced three sacks, 13 quarterback hits, 31 tackles and four forced fumbles. In Seattle’s two playoff games, Clowney recorded 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits and 12 tackles, more than doubling his previous postseason production.
Clowney is not an elite defensive end. He isn’t worth the roughly $20 million a year he wanted when free agency began. However, if the Seahawks can get him on a short-term deal in the $14-16 million range, he’s worth the expense.
Despite his recent string of injuries, Clowney is still one of the most athletic defensive ends in football. He’s quick enough to set the edge and stick with running backs while being strong enough to push back offensive linemen. Against mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray, Clowney is terrific.
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The two things that could prevent Seattle from reaching a new deal with Clowney are the amount of money he wants and his injury history. The NFL is preparing for 17-game regular seasons beginning in 2021 or 2022. That’s another week for a defensive end who has only played a full 16-game season once. Also, the Seahawks aren’t entirely strapped for cap space, but they don’t have room for a $20 million deal.