Predicting Jadeveon Clowney's Next Contract in Free Agency

Standout pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney made waves on Monday when his reported contract demands were publicized.

Coming into the 2019 campaign, NFL insiders envisioned the three-time Pro Bowler would seek a contract that would make him one of the richest players at his position.

What wasn't foreseen, however, was the sheer magnitude of Clowney's demands.

Jadeveon Clowney Contract Predictions

Per Matt Miller of Bleacher Report, Clowney is pursuing a market-setting contract this offseason. In other words, the South Carolina product is reaching for the sky.

Assuming Clowney fishes for a deal that would make him the wealthiest (or close to it) defender in NFL history, we predict he'll sign a six-year, $134 million contract, with approximately $82 million guaranteed.

That would average out to a $22.3 million annual salary. How does that match up against some of the other highest-paid defensive stars?

Only four defensive position players in the NFL earn more than $20 million per year: Khalil Mack banks $23.5 million over six years, Aaron Donald makes $22.5 mil over six years, DeMarcus Lawrence averages $21 million, and Frank Clark earns $20.8 mil.

That means Clowney would become the third-highest paid defender in the league.

Prior to an underwhelming (for his standards) 2019 campaign in Seattle that was hampered by a core muscle injury, Clowney was utterly dominant from 2016-2018. The 27-year-old ranked top 10 in tackles for loss at 18 per year, while averaging 8 sacks, 20 QB hits, 1 forced fumble, and 52 tackles.

You can bet your bottom dollar that teams interested in No. 90 will consider that stretch of dominance into their contract offers, which, in our eyes, will make Clowney the third-richest pass rusher in the NFL.