The New York Jets are reportedly interested in signing defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney. This adds to a list that already includes the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens for the seasoned veteran. According to Mike Garafolo and further indicated by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Clowney is scheduled to visit the Jets next Tuesday, with the player considering “multiple options” before finalizing his decision.
Free agent Jadeveon Clowney, meeting with the #Panthers this evening, is slated to visit the #Jets next week, sources say. So Clowney is currently slated to explore multiple options before making a decision on where he will play in 2024. pic.twitter.com/yqUmtwddeK
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2024
The Jadeveon Clowney visit to the #Jets is Tuesday, with him arriving Monday, source said. https://t.co/nRFZnUNNjJ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2024
The Need for Jadeveon Clowney
The Jets are on the hunt to bolster their edge defense after Bryce Huff’s departure to the Philadelphia Eagles. This has left a significant gap of nearly 500 defensive snaps for a starter. The void alongside players like Jermaine Johnson and John Franklin-Myers has prompted the Jets to explore viable options, with Clowney emerging as a prime candidate to fill this gap.
Clowney’s Journey in the NFL
Jadeveon Clowney, the former first-overall pick, has had an intriguing journey in the NFL. Last year, he secured a contract with the Baltimore Ravens in mid-August, valued at $2.5 million, which shows that he doesn’t mind waiting out the market to find a home. Following a season that saw him contributing significantly to the Ravens’ top-ranked defense, Clowney’s performance has positioned him to aspire for a more lucrative deal this time around.
Throughout his career, Clowney has navigated the free agency waters with a series of one-year contracts, never quite securing the long-term deal that seemed probable during his early years with the Houston Texans. His tenure in Houston was marked by impressive performances, leading to three Pro Bowl selections and establishing him as a formidable force on the defensive line.
He started 55 games for the Houston Texans, and during his five years with the team, he had 205 total tackles, 29 sacks, and forced 5 fumbles.
Clowney’s journey post-Houston has been a mixed bag, with stints in Seattle, Tennessee, and Cleveland. His productivity has been up and down due to injuries and inconsistent play, which in turn affected his market value. There were a couple of seasons that pointed to his skills still being there, including his 2021 season with the Cleveland Browns, where he registered nine sacks alongside Myles Garrett.. His most recent stint with the Ravens revitalized his reputation as an impactful edge rusher, highlighted by 19 quarterback hits, 9.5 sacks, and 43 tackles.
The Jets’ interest in Clowney is not just about filling a vacancy but also about integrating a player known for his all-around capabilities in the game. While his career has had its ups and downs, Clowney’s experience and talent remain undeniable even as he enters his 30s. A potential deal with the Jets could offer him the opportunity to anchor their defensive line, bringing both leadership and skill to a team eager to upgrade their defense and make some noise in the AFC East.