Potential Jadeveon Clowney-Ravens Pairing Should Terrify Steelers and Browns
By Brady Williams
Despite being a three-time Pro-Bowler and consistent pass rusher, Jadeveon Clowney still can't seem to find a team to settle down with. As the offseason continues to trudge along, more teams seem to be interested in closing a deal with the 27-year-old veteran. But, could a move to the AFC North be on the way?
The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly among the teams courting Clowney, and by adding him, they could beef up their pass rush and round out an already stout defense. Up front, Baltimore would be freakish with the free agent also in the mix.
Free agent DE Jadeveon Clowney (@clownejd)works at @PlexAthlete in Houston with Plex director @itsdannyarnold. Clowney acknowledges @Seahawks remain on his radar,loved playing there. Other teams expressing interest according to NFL sources incl @Browns, @Ravens, @Titans & @Eagles pic.twitter.com/104lG2XS4b
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) May 6, 2020
Clowney has proven he can flourish in a system that already has a star edge rusher. He recorded back-to-back nine sack seasons playing opposite J.J. Watt. Pairing him with Matthew Judon would make those two an unreal force. He fits the system, and they can afford him, but it won't be particularly cheap.
At the end of March, Clowney was asking for $21 million. The inability to assess his injury status do to the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that he's gone unsigned for this long might have lowered his value, but they're at least going to have to dish out something similar to Judon's current franchise tag deal for around $16 million.
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
The Ravens can afford Clowney, but he's going to take up some cap space on a roster with a lot of young talent that needs to be paid in the upcoming seasons. If the Ravens are dead set on winning now, Clowney is the move, and he'd take them from the contenders they already are to a force the Steelers and Browns couldn't hope to contain.