The New York Jets are reportedly displaying significant eagerness to solidify a deal with free-agent edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney, as disclosed by NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Clowney has engaged in face-to-face discussions with Jets representatives, while Schultz has indicated ongoing interest from the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens.
Having delivered a productive season, the three-time Pro Bowler matched his career-best sack tally with 9.5, alongside 43 tackles, two forced fumbles, and 19 quarterback hits.
“Clowney achieved personal bests in pass-rush win rate and pressure rate, ranking ninth among all edge players in run-stop rate (9.6%),” noted PFF’s Lauren Gray. “He spearheaded Baltimore’s edge contingent with impressive figures in total pressures (78), stops (28), and tackles for loss or no gain (seven).”
The departure of sack leader Bryce Huff to free agency during this offseason has created an evident gap in the Jets’ defensive front. Moreover, Carl Lawson’s exit after a three-year tenure in New York, hampered by injuries, has further compounded the situation.
Recently, veteran edge-rusher Shaq Barrett revealed on the Zach Gelb Show that he was on the verge of selecting the Jets before the Miami Dolphins intervened at the last moment:
Here is the clip of Shaq Barrett telling me he thought he was going to land with the Jets and then the Dolphins came out of nowhere and signed him last second. @CBSSportsRadio @560WQAM @WFAN660 https://t.co/4wte48xh1d pic.twitter.com/LDidrvABLY
— Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) March 22, 2024
Barrett’s choice to join a divisional rival amplifies the pressure on the Jets to secure Clowney’s services.
At 31, Clowney brought with him a wealth of experience and rebounded impressively following a lackluster season with the Cleveland Browns, which culminated in a contentious separation. As the premier available edge-rusher, the Jets would find themselves short of alternatives in free agency should Clowney, akin to Barrett, elude their grasp.