The Las Vegas Raiders have a couple of young defensive ends in Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby. Moreover, they signed free agent Carl Nassib to bolster their defensive end group. Nevertheless, they could still add EDGE Jadeveon Clowney if they really want to.Â
After a putrid 2018 campaign, the Raiders needed reinforcements in their defensive line. They got them when they drafted Ferrell and Crosby. Although the duo showed promise in 2019, it wasn’t enough. Thus, they added defensive tackle Maliek Collins and Nasib this past free agency. Also, they hired defensive line guru Rod Marinelli. After all the arrivals, the Raiders will be more difficult in the trenches. However, they can still bring in another player to the group, Clowney.
Even though Clowney was one of the most coveted free agents in the market this year, he’s still available. One of the reasons is that he wants to receive premium compensation for his services. So far, no team has bulged to his demands even though he reduced his asking price from $20 million to “only” $17 million.
As we continue to watch the market for Jadeveon Clowney, I am told by several sources the asking price has been moved off that $20mil+ number and it’s closer to $17-18mil. This could spark more interest. Also told Titans and Seahawks are still “interestedâ€
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) April 1, 2020
Both the Seahawks and the Browns offered Clowney a one-year $15 million contract. The defensive end declined both offers.
The fact that Clowney wasn’t fully healthy in 2019 partially has to do with the inactivity regarding the demand for his services. On the other hand, he might prove to be a bargain if the pieces fall in place. After all, Pro Football Focus ranked Clowney the 19th best defensive end/EDGE in the NFL last season. Even if his 2019 numbers don’t automatically leap to the eye, 22 solo tackles, three sacks, his impact off the scoreboard was undeniable last season.
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How Does Clowney Fit in the Raiders’ Plans?
Recently, Cecil Lammey of 104.3 The Fan Tweeted the Raiders extended an offer to Clowney. Las Vegas isn’t the only bidder but they’re the one further behind in the sweepstakes.
https://twitter.com/CecilLammey/status/1280181797251198976?s=20
Even though it’s currently a long shot, it can happen under the right conditions. First, Clowney has to reject what the two teams in front of the Raiders are offering. If that happened, the veteran would have to accept a discount and Las Vegas would have to make some cap space. At this moment, they possess $8.28 million. They would have to trim some fat here and there, but they can easily do so if Clowney makes up his mind and decides to join them.
The Raiders can cut players such as Nicholas Morrow, Zay Jones, Nathan Peterman, Derrek Carrier, and David Sharpe. If Las Vegas parts ways with all of them, they would make $10.5 million in cap room. That would automatically grant them enough room to sign Clowney. Of course, he would have to be on board with playing for less than the $15 million he was recently asking for. A deal in the $7-9 million range with escalators such as sacks, % of defensive snaps, and Pro Bowl/All-Pro nominations sounds like a good compromise for both the Raiders and Clowney. It’s a win-win proposition and it isn’t something foreign to the front office. They signed quarterback Marcus Mariota to an incentive-laden deal with plenty of bonuses he can only reach if he plays well.
If Clowney (somehow) ends up signing with the Raiders, he can hit the market after one year and Las Vegas gets a mercenary that can wreak havoc on the trenches. Plus, Raider Nation can witness top-quality play at the line of scrimmage. Everybody wins!
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