The Seattle Seahawks made an incredibly aggressive play for New York Jets safety Jamal Adams on Saturday, trading a pair of first-round picks and other draft considerations in exchange for the All-Pro safety.
It would seem the Seahawks will begin the groundwork for a potential extension with Adams, who is still seeking to become the highest-paid safety in league history.
Interestingly, however, the move probably takes the Seahawks out of the Jadeveon Clowney market.
Granted, Seattle had already signed Bruce Irvin and Benson Mayowa as potential Clowney replacements, but it also seemed Clowney might be open to a one-year deal with the Seahawks in the event he did not get the long-term payday he was seeking.
Naturally, this begs the question: where will Clowney go?
A number of teams still have cap space, though there seems to be hesitancy in paying Clowney upwards of $17 million in annual average.
However, there is reason to believe the Tennessee Titans might ramp up their pursuit of Clowney in the coming weeks.
Prior linkage
The Titans have been linked to Clowney for some time. Moreover, Tennessee GM Jon Robinson has refused to go into specifics regarding the team's discussions with the No. 1 pick.
Perhaps there is nothing to all this stealthy operating. At the same time, it would not be a surprise to learn the two sides were hashing out terms.
Clowney would be a perfect fit for the Titans. Tennessee traded away Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jurrell Casey in the offseason, and also allowed nickel corner Logan Ryan–who frequently got into the backfield–to walk in free agency.
The Titans signed former Atlanta Falcons edge-rusher Vic Beasley Jr. to help set the edge. But head coach Mike Vrabel would undoubtedly love having Clowney on the opposite side.
Tennessee ranked 16th in DVOA on the defensive side of the ball, and lost key pieces in the offseason. Grabbing someone like Clowney to generate consistent pressure and create turnovers would be a boon to the Titans defense, regardless of whether they believe the contract demands meet the quality of the player.
Ruling out: Browns and Seahawks
How many other teams can realistically make a play for Clowney?
As previously mentioned, it seems unlikely Seattle will reengage Clowney after the Adams trade. The Cleveland Browns need help in the front seven, but Clowney reportedly turned down a “big” offer from Andrew Berry and Co.
The Eagles might make a late pitch. Philadelphia's front seven is already one of the best in football, but Howie Roseman has never hesitated to add an impact defender. Perhaps the Jets will get involved, as they lost a legitimate pass-rusher in Adams and might look to replace his hybrid talents with Clowney, who can also drop into coverage.
However, the Titans should be considered the favorites. Tennessee has shown a willingness to spend on elite talent as of late, and they can sell Clowney on playing for a team that made it to the AFC Championship Game last year.
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