There has been some speculation about attaching the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers' edge rusher T.J. Watt, but that talk isn't likely to last for too long. Can another option off the edge in free agency help the Eagles?
Bleacher Report writer Matt Holder shared some best landing spots for five of the top defensive free agents before training camp begins in late July. Jadeveon Clowney was one of the free agents with the Eagles being named as one of his three landing spots.
"The Eagles’ defense took a lot of hits this offseason, including losing Josh Sweat in free agency. While Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt are expected to take over, in addition to pass-rush specialists Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche, it couldn’t hurt to bring in Clowney as an insurance policy."
Can Clowney help the Eagles in 2025, and what would his role be?
Nothing against Clowney, as he actually could be a contributor on the Eagles. He's had a nice 11-season career with three Pro Bowls and has had nine or 9.5 sacks in four seasons, but has never hit double-digit sacks.
There's one problem with Clowney: his age. At 32, how much does Clowney have in the tank to help a football team? He had 5.5 sacks last year with the Carolina Panthers, but didn't nearly achieve the production fans have been accustomed to seeing from him in the previous 11 years.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is seeking younger, more affordable players to sign with the team. None of Philadelphia's free agent signings this offseason was longer than a one-year deal or more than $5 million.
If Clowney wants to be on the Eagles, he needs to think cheap on the offer, and he wouldn't be guaranteed a starting job. Smith is the top edge rusher, and the Eagles want to see what they have in Hunt as well. Clowney would have to accept a rotational role with Philadelphia, which would help keep him healthy and active throughout the long season.
Signing Clowney wouldn't be a terrible move for Roseman, but it would go against everything he has set this offseason in terms of their plan. If Clowney accepts the right offer, it could be a sneaky good move by Philadelphia.
