Despite having a promising offensive pass-attack, the Washington Commanders could target former NFL journeyman Jadeveon Clowney before the 2025 campaign. According to a report, one source thinks Clowney could be a fit for the Commanders to shore up the defensive trenches. Last season, they had one of the best defensive ends in Dante Fowler Jr. after acquiring him during the 2024 offseason, but they lost him again to the Dallas Cowboys, and the Commanders have yet to get a game-changing replacement. Fowler led the pass-rushing unit with almost 11 sacks, but someone like Clowney could replicate that success.
The Commanders have all the right things happening for this team, and when that happens, this means they get the best talent to put themselves in the position to win. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is just one of the several athletes proving that there’s hope in Washington, but it’s time to shore up this defensive line. Even though they signed Deatrich Wise Jr. and Jacob Martin this offseason, these two are not going to single-handedly take this unit to another level. Perhaps, Clowney could be successful again as a rotational player, recording 46 tackles, nine for loss and almost six sacks for the Panthers.
The Commanders must continue to stockpile the veterans on the roster while they save as much cap space for other long-term players. With that, Clowney could be worth the signing in the right situation, and proof of that stems from the production he had with the Ravens in 2023. If not Washington, expect these five teams to swoop in and take a chance.
Jadeveon Clowney
Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (7) during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Report: Commanders Named Fit For NFL Legend Jadeveon Clowney – 4 Suitors Could Emerge
Potential Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have two solid starters in Fowler and, hopefully, Micah Parsons if the team can figure out a contract sooner rather than later. However, it doesn’t mean the Cowboys shouldn’t target Clowney to shore up this defensive line. The team still has a weak point in their defensive middle despite extending Osa Odighizuwa, but Solomon Thomas and Mazi Smith are probably the two players who may hold this team back. Clowney isn’t a defensive tackle, but he could rotate along the line to provide some insurance policy.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints will likely need to rely on their defense to win games this upcoming season. Between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler, general manager Mickey Loomis will finally have no choice but to rebuild. Even though Chase Young is coming back, it might not be enough for someone like Cameron Jordan, who is aging. Clowney could pair with him to build an explosive defense.
Los Angeles Chargers
However, the Chargers are in dire need of a veteran presence on their defense. The team signing Da’Shawn Hand to replace Teair Tart on the defensive line doesn’t sound like a team that wants to win in the trenches. Jim Harbaugh wants an old-school defense, and Clowney could be the perfect plug-in.
Baltimore Ravens
Nobody should rule out a reunion in Baltimore. They were scrambling for answers in their pass-rush, so they signed Yannick Ngakoue for temporary relief. Trenton Simpson has failed to live up to expectations alongside Odafe Oweh and Roquan Smith. Clowney could fill the hole again as long as it fits in their cap space.