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Former First Overall Pick Free Agent Is a Great Fit for Jets

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Days away from NFL training camp, players are still looking for opportunities in free agency. As of this writing, the New York Jets maintain their position with the top five available cap space in the league. It’s doubtful general manager Darren Mougey makes a massive swing soon; there are enough veterans who can help this team. Among them is a former first overall pick outside linebacker/edge rusher. Despite not being the same All-Pro athlete he was with the Houston Texans, Jadeveon Clowney’s experience can be crucial to the Jets success. With defensive coordinator Steve Wilks expected to blitz heavily this season, a healthy rotation of defensive linemen is needed. Which is why Jadeveon Clowney would be a great fit for the Jets.

Former First Overall Pick Free Agent Is a Great Fit for Jets

First-year head coach Aaron Glenn has a plan to help get the Jets defense back on track. His mission? Blitzing. Often and frequently. Well-versed in utilizing creativity involving his front seven, Aaron Glenn knows the talent surrounding this team. With most of the same personnel that propelled New York to a top-five defense under Robert Saleh’s tenure, he hopes to get back to that. However, this is easier said than done.

The key to playing the way Aaron Glenn desires is depth. The team has a very talented starting four between defensive end and defensive tackle. With defensive tackle Quinnen Williams leading the charge, he and fellow first-round picks Will McDonald IV and Jermaine Johnson II form a talented trio. Alas, New York will still need some support behind Johnson and McDonald. Especially with Johnson returning from a devastating torn Achilles he suffered last September. In order to help this, New York should consider using their ample cap space to bring in another veteran. Perhaps this former first overall pick can be of good value.

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The Jets should sign free agent Jadeveon Clowney

A star at the University of South Carolina, Jadeveon Clowney has enjoyed a productive career. Selected first overall by the Houston Texans in 2014, a microfracture in his knee prematurely ended his rookie season after four games. However, Clowney steadily progressed during his tenure in Houston. Between 2016-2018, Clowney made the Pro Bowl three consecutive years. He recorded 24.5 sacks during that time. However, his tenure would end in 2019 after being traded to the Seattle Seahawks. It would be a dark time for Clowney after having a steep decline in sacks between 2019 and 2020 during his time with the Seahawks and the Tennessee Titans. Fortunately, he returned in a big way after signing with the Cleveland Browns.

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Joining the team in 2021, Clowney had one of the best seasons since leaving Houston. Clowney recorded nine sacks with 37 combined tackles. He proved to be a solid partner opposite of star Myles Garrett off the edge. Alas, a lackluster 2022 was his final season in Cleveland. Afterwards, Clowney signed with Baltimore, where he had another nine-and-a-half sack season and helped the Ravens reach the AFC Championship game.

The Jets could use his veteran presence off the edge

Clowney spent this past season with the Carolina Panthers. While he only recorded five-and-a-half sacks last year, his 46 tackles were the most he’s had in a season since his last Pro Bowl year in Houston. Adding Clowney to the defensive line would give the Jets a veteran presence that can alleviate the pressure on Johnson and McDonald. As talented as both first-round picks have been, having a steady rotation of defensive linemen is the best way to prevent overuse and injury risk. In addition, Clowney would be an instant upgrade in the rotation over longtime Jet Micheal Clemons. While Clemons is five years younger, Clowney has over 300 more tackles and 51 more sacks compared to the Jets veteran.

Clowney would be an excellent addition, especially with the Jets cap space. As of this writing, the Jets have just under $30 million in available cap space this year. After Clowney signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Carolina Panthers two years ago, the Jets should be able to sign him to a team-friendly deal. At 31 years old, Clowney is leaving the prime of his career. The Jets adding Jadeveon Clowney would be a great veteran presence in their defensive line. If it works out, Aaron Glenn will have a huge advantage in helping this Jets defense in his first season as head coach.

Main Photo: [Jim Dedmon] – USA Today Sports

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