With the New York Giants in dire need of pass rush support, we can expect them to dive into the deep end of the free-agent pool. One top option is Jadeveon Clowney, who has a complicated injury history but is one of the best when healthy.
Per ESPN’s Josina Anderson, the Colts and Giants are reportedly interested in the premier pass-rush option, but that Clowney would “definitely like to return” to the Seattle Seahawks, but is also “open to new opportunities if it comes down to that.”
The Seahawks could very well lock up Clowney and take him off the open market, but playing only 13 games and starting 11 makes him a potential risk.
“I think he came in, he loved the culture, loved the coaching staff, loves the chefs, loves our equipment guys,” John Schneider of Seattle said. “He’s a really fun guy. He’s a blast to be around and I hope we can continue that. Super disruptive.”
The New York Giants could be a good fit:
Given the ample cap-space the Giants currently have (about $75 million), they can easily afford to pay Clowney. However, I’m skeptical it’s worth the investment, having missed nine games over the past five seasons. He does have the ability to play both defensive end and outside linebacker, giving him the diversity the Giants need in a new defensive scheme run by Patrick Graham.
One thing to note is that Clowney has never reached double-digit sacks, logging only 3.0 last season. He did record three passes defended and four forced fumbles, though, showing some production in his sixth season in the NFL.
His three Pro Bowl appearances in six years indicate he’s a very talented player who produces reliable pressure rates and is stout against the run. Clowney did undergo surgery to his core last season, but Schnieder stated that it shouldn’t affect him during the 2020 season.