Could Jadeveon Clowney‘s next home be… the New York Jets? The Jets have quietly been making moves in the offseason to shore up their offensive line. The Jets have also been busy retaining key members of last season’s defensive unit. But the one position on defense the Jets have been lacking for such a long time is at Edge Rusher. One prominent name in this year’s free agency period available is Seattle EDGE Jadevon Clowney.
Is Jadeveon Clowney the answer to the Jets’ need at that position? Let’s look at some of the variables.
The Need for Speed
The addition of Jadeveon Clowney would certainly give the Jets a threat at edge that they have not had since John Abraham and Shaun Ellis. Both were drafted by the Jets in 2000 and made immediate impacts as rookies as dual edge threats. Abraham was traded to Atlanta in 2006, but Ellis was with the team through 2010. After Ellis left in 2010, the Jets have struggled to build the line around an effective and consistent pass rusher. Mo Wilkerson could have been one, but his numbers dipped dramatically after signing an $85M contract prior to the 2016 season. He was released after the 2017 season.
Adding Clowney would give them a breakout player at defensive end. Pairing him with Jordan Jenkins, who recorded a career-high eight sacks in 2019, could give the Jets a dual-threat at edge they haven’t had since Abraham and Ellis. Jenkins was pressed into the edge role last season, but lead the team in sacks and at the very least, should have seen Pro Bowl consideration. Having Clowney and Jenkins at edge would do nothing but benefit a deep interior line that is adept at stopping the run. The Jets finished second in rushing yards allowed per game last season (86.9). If DC Gregg Williams can pair that with a dual-threat at edge, the Jets’ defense could take the next step from good to great.
The Durability and Consistency Question
If you look at the stats in Jadeveon Clowney’s six seasons in the NFL, one might say that they’re average at best for an edge rusher. Here are his sack totals:
2014: 0 (limited to four games due to knee injury)
2015: 4.5 sacks
2016: 6 sacks
2017: 9.5 sacks (first and only full season)
2018: 9 sacks
2019: 3 sacks
Although his sack totals have been lacking, his QB Hits have increased over the years. If he can’t sack the quarterback, he can at least disrupt their rhythm. His QB Hit totals:
2014: 0
2015: 8
2016: 17
2017: 21
2018: 21
2019: 13
Clowney played in 13 games last season and started in 11, his lowest totals since starting only nine games in 2015. He has battled various injuries since his rookie season. Last season, Jenkins and S Jamal Adams each had the same number of QBH as Clowney with 13. But last season, the Jets’ defense relied almost entirely on Adams to be on the field for their success. “The President” did just about everything. Having Jadeveon Clowney on the Jets’ defensive unit would take a load of responsibility off of Adams.
The Asking Price
Durability and consistency are two issues that have kept teams from signing Jadeveon Clowney. The third reason is price. Clowney reportedly wants to earn $20M a season. He’s already turned down the Dolphins after they reportedly offered him $17 million. His asking price has teams around the NFL staying away from him. But the Jets have two things going for them: the need for an edge rusher and cap space. According to Spotrac, the Jets still have $34M remaining in cap space.
What if Jets’ GM Joe Douglas offers Clowney a two-year, $35 million deal laden with incentives? If Clowney plays a full season, he gets a $500,000 bonus. Record more than 10 sacks? $1M bonus. Wins AFC DPOY? Another $1M bonus. Force 10 fumbles? Another $500,000 bonus. With those incentives, he can earn that $20M he wants. It’s also a cap-friendly* deal in that the Jets still have enough cap space to make additional moves at needed positions (WR, DB, and backup QB).
(*I admittedly know next to nothing about the NFL salary cap. But it’s nice to dream.)
Two Outstanding Intangibles
There are two outstanding intangibles that Jadeveon Clowney has in his favor: his age and his hunger factor. Although he has been in the league for six seasons, we forget that Clowney is still only 27 years old. He still has the drive to win a Super Bowl and if Clowney signs with the Jets, he’ll be on a team with other young, hungry dudes who share the same sentiment. Sure, the Jets can win the attention of the New York Metro sports media with a big splash in free agency. But signing Clowney would also put the opposing quarterbacks of a wide-open AFC East on notice. (Especially since he hates the Dolphins, according to another Belly Up author.) If head coach Adam Gase can get the offense right and Williams can effectively use Clowney, the Jets have the potential to be dangerous. But Jets fans are no longer interested in potential – they want results.
Does Clowney to the Jets make sense? If he stays healthy, stays hungry, and proves his worth in helping the Jets take the next step, absolutely.
Want to talk Jets football or NFL Free Agency? Leave a comment below or hit me up on Twitter on my handle, @WhoisRyanMcC.
