In this series of articles, we are going to look at a few players that are still available on the NFL’s free-agent market. We’ll discuss what type of teams that these players are best suited for, any rumors around them and what to expect going forward. Surprisingly, there are still a few big names still without a team, as of now. Let’s jump right in and breakdown the best of what’s left.
The biggest name still on the market for the defensive side, has to be Jadeveon Clowney. He was the first overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, made by the Houston Texans. Clowney spent five seasons with Houston, where he improved each season and became a perfect complementary piece, opposite star J.J. Watt. During his time with the Texans, there were some injury concerns, especially early in his career, and they continue to this day.
When on the field, there was no question the impact he had on the game. Even with the scheme changes, he was still able to be effective without regression. Clowney played in 62 of a possible 80 games while starting 55 of those games. He would produce 205 tackles, 151 solos, 64 tackles for a loss, 67 QB hits, 29 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two touchdowns, and 11 pass breakups.
His best season with Houston came in 2017, where he had 59 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and 21 tackles for a loss. The 21 tackles for a loss, was second best in the league for the season. Clowney would be a three time Pro-Bowler from 2016-2018, as well. With his contract up and the two sides unable to work out a deal, the Texans placed the franchise tag ($15.967 million) on him. Unhappy that no long term agreement could be reached, Clowney threatened to holdout and with that, trade rumors began to swirl.
With the start of the season just days away, the Texans traded Clowney to the Seahawks in return for a 2020 3rd round pick, Jacob Martin & Barkevious Mingo. The Seahawks got the much-needed pass rusher, that they had been wanting. He would play one season in Seattle, starting in 11 of the 13 games he played. Again injuries would be a factor as he had hip and core muscle injuries towards the end of the season which would cost him games. Clowney would have one of the worst statistical seasons of his career, but would however make some huge game impacting plays. He would set a career-best with four forced fumbles (6th in NFL), returning one for a touchdown. He would also grab the first interception of his career and he would return it for a touchdown as well. The two non-offensive touchdowns would rank second on the season among qualifiers and his career total of four ranks 20th in league history. After playing out the season on a franchise tender, Clowney would find himself in uncharted waters for the first time in his career.
Even with a somewhat down year for Clowney, he was set to be one of the prize free agents when the new year began. Clowney reportedly went on record saying “he loves it in Seattle” and “would like to resign with the team”. The right thing to say when you’re looking for a big payday. As the start of free agency got closer and closer, rumors of all sorts of teams having interest began to come out. Early pursuers were teams such as the Giants and Colts.
Before free agency opened, it was rumored that Clooney’s asking to be in the $22-$23 million range. When free agency opened that type of money was nowhere to be seen, especially for a player with an injury history. There would be all sorts of teams interested and gauging his interest in them, but nothing concrete. Then this nasty Covid-19 virus hit, limiting travel and stopping teams from being able to bring him in for physicals. Reports are that he would lower his asking price down to the $20 million range after the frenzy period had passed. Seattle would remain interested as some new teams also taking an interest. However, the market he expected just wasn’t there.
Now the second wave of free agency has passed and Clowney is still unsigned. At this point he may be waiting a while before he gets a deal he’s comfortable with taking. The Seahawks have reportedly offered Clowney a deal worth $18.5 million annually, which is shy of the $20 he’s wanting. The Titans have also checked in on Clowney, as he played for Titan head coach Mike Vrabel when he was Clowney’s defensive coach in Houston. The ties are there and Vrabel knows him as good as anyone, so it makes sense to kick the tires on him. Both Seattle and Tennessee have been trying to get a long term deal done but not at that high of a price. Now here we are a month into free agency and nothing has happened. Reports are Clowney has lowered his price to $17-$18 million but teams aren’t really going passed $15 million. Things are at a standstill and Clowney has said, “he’s more than willing to wait for the right deal”. So with this Covid-19 virus still wrecking things, we are in the waiting game. Who will cave first? Clowney or the teams remains to be seen.
Provided by: Pro Football Reference
Now, what does all this mean for us fantasy owners? Well right, nothing! Until something happens we are all in a holding situation. As a defensive end, he’s a top fantasy option, as that position isn’t as loaded as the linebacker and safety positions. If he’s a linebacker in your leagues, his value drops just a bit. Either way, you may be selling for less than value, until we can see where he lands, e.g. if stays in Seattle, then he stays at defensive end. If he were to go to Tennessee, he would be an OLB. The position value is different for the same player. What you are valuing him on is what his sack and impact play totals are. How does your league score those? Where does he rank on your team? Is he your top option at his position or can you afford to let him go? Once you determine those answers, then I believe you can make an informed decision on what you want to do with him, and when. If you have a lot of depth at the position and you don’t need him, then look at offers for him. I recommend starting high, that way when owners try to push you down on price, you have some wiggle room. For me personally, I am not taking anything less than a third round pick in a straight-up deal for Clowney. If offered a fourth, then I think it needs to be a part of a package deal for me to trade him. If you’re trying to acquire him, now is the time to trade for him as his value is low and uncertain at this point. Below is a Twitter poll that I conducted to see where everyone valued Clowney and how my value for him compares.
Thanks for reading my article and if you enjoyed it, you can read more of my articles at dynastyfootballfactory.com. You can also follow me on social media, on Twitter at Hollywood@DFF_DWin, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub I’m user KingTitan1 and you can tune in each week and listen to the podcasts, IDP Nation & D.I.G. (Devy IDP Grind) that I co-host, on a number of different platforms. Feel free to hit me up with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
