Jadeveon Clowney's Latest Reported Contract Demands Pretty Much Take Seahawks and Top Contenders Out of the Running

As we heard over the weekend, it could be quite a while before Jadeveon Clowney signs with a team in free agency. The former Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks star is seeking a big long-term contract, but it seems nobody is willing to pay up at the moment.

The latest buzz surrounding his contract demands suggest he wants a deal that will net him $21 million per season, which actually isn't crazy considering it'll put him up there with Frank Clark and DeMarcus Lawrence, but teams will find a way to talk themselves out of it because Clowney's stats don't exactly jump off the page.

My best friend @BradyHenderson tells @710ESPNSeattle the number he's heard Jadeveon Clowney is looking for is $21M, but Henderson has never gotten the impression Seattle is willing to break the bank. "I don't know if you can continue to wait on him forever."
— Stacy Jo Rost (@StacyRost) March 30, 2020

How do those demands stack him up against other top defenders?

Highest-Paid NFL Defensive Players

Broncos LB Von Miller: $19 million AAV

Chiefs DE Frank Clark: $20.8 million AAV

Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence: $21 million AAV

Rams DT Aaron Donald: $22.5 million AAV

Bears DE Khalil Mack: $23.5 million AAV

Nobody would really argue against Clowney being worth that kind of money, but this very much limits his market, which doesn't help his case, considering many teams are already concerned about his longevity and injury history.

The Jadeveon Clowney Watch, the coronavirus pandemic and the multi-pronged dilemma they could pose for the #Seahawks at the top of the draft that begins in three weeks. https://t.co/vm8GCjpQD2 @thenewstribune
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) March 31, 2020

And when you look at teams with the right amount of available cap space, there aren't many desirable destinations for Clowney. Purely based on financials, the Texans, Jets, Browns, Chargers, Titans, Redskins, Lions and Broncos could make it happen. The Cowboys, Eagles, Bills and Colts are on the cusp, which would be more appealing for him, but they have other roster needs to address.

Who knows, though. Maybe the Titans and Browns, who could use one more star to put them over the edge, throw the money at Clowney to bolster their defense. Right now, however, it appears teams will be waiting for his price tag to go down.