Jadeveon Clowney
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Jadeveon Clowney
For the Los Angeles Chargers, their offseason needs have not been completely met. Tey still have tons of questions to answer about their offensive line while there still might be rumors they need another receiver. However, one other position of note is that of edge rusher, where the Chargers could use a replacement for Odafe Oweh. While they have now lost out on the premier talent, there is still a veteran out there who could end up being a productive addition.
According to several reports, the Chargers could start to develop interest in former Texans star edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. While Clowney has been a bit of a journeyman over the past four years, he could find a stable home with the Chargers due to the talent around him.
Clowney Offers Veteran Production at a Bargain
When Oweh was picked up midseason by the Chargers, he was not expected to produce as much as he did for the team. However, he really shone because of the stellar play from both Tuli Tuipolotu and Khalil Mack. While Clowney is no Oweh at this stage of his career, he still has the juice to be able to contribute to that group.
Last offseason, Clowney signed a one year, 3.45 million dollar deal with the Dallas Cowboys, who at the time were desperate to find pass rushing production to replace Micah Parsons. While no one could have expected much from Clowney, he ended up producing at an elite level with 8.5 sacks.
The best part about a potential Clowney deal is that the team would not have to splash the cash for his services. Right now, Spotrac is estimating that he would only earn around 5.7 million dollars next year, making a potential signing manageable. For a team with boatloads of cap space, that could be highly appealing should they decide to look at other positions of need in free agency.
A Perfect Rotational Fit in Los Angeles
Interestingly enough, Clowney was also an option for the Chargers a couple of years ago, when he was released by the Panthers. However, at that point in time, the Chargers were just finding out how good their homegrown pieces could become. They also may have been putting a lot more focus on acquiring Khalil Mack as well.
Now though, because they have a firmly established hierarchy amongst their pass rushers, Clowney would be stepping into a room where he would not have to be the guy. In fact, new defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary could end up using him as more of a rotational option.
As this juncture in his career, while he still has the legs to produce impressive stats, a team like the Chargers could provide Clowney the perfect opportunity to still contribute to a playoff caliber team. He may not be the star player he was in Houston, but we have seen over the years that he has the production needed.
At the end of the day, this could end up being the perfect pickup for a Chargers team that just needs a little bit more edge.