Pete Carroll Reveals Jadeveon Clowney Will Undergo Core Muscle Surgery

The rumors surrounding Jadeveon Clowney's potential offseason surgery should the Seattle Seahawks encounter a premature postseason exit turned out to be true.

Clowney had been limited in practice in both weeks leading up to the Hawks playoff match-ups with Philadelphia and Green Bay, as head coach Pete Carroll wanted to limit his snaps to game reps only. It had been speculated that he would require some form of operation after their season ended, and after falling to the Packers in the second round, Clowney will be in extensive recovery mode after muscling through much of the season at far from 100 percent.

After he goes under and his attention turns back to the gridiron, Clowney has stated that his top priority in free agency will be signing with a winner, and his decision with Seattle will be determined by whether or not he believes in their culture.

Clowney's stats this season don't jump off the page, as he recorded just four sacks and 21 solo tackles. His four forced fumbles, however, were a career high for the three-time Pro-Bowler, and he looked like an absolute wrecking ball as the season wound down, core injury and all.

Clowney earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after causing two fumbles in Seattle's crucial win over the Niners in Week 10, and was instrumental in their first round matchup with Philly. He was also the man to take down Josh McCown on the Eagles' final fourth down play to seal Seattle's victory.

Carroll's will likely be one of many faces Clowney sees at a negotiation table once free agency begins. His contract will expire Mar. 18.