The Las Vegas Raiders are in desperate need of pass-rushing help. And they should have enough cap room to add a significant piece to help in that area this offseason. One potential option is Jadeveon Clowney.
Clowney is an interesting case, to say the least.
He spent the 2019-20 campaign with the Seattle Seahawks and played in 13 games. He registered 31 tackles, three sacks, an interception, four forced fumbles, a couple of fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown.
Clearly, Clowney has the ability to be disruptive, as evidenced by his fumble numbers. But the lack of sacks is definitely concerning, especially considering that Clowney has never logged a double-digit sack season in his career (he topped out at 9.5 sacks with the Houston Texans back in 2017).
However, it should be noted that Clowney was battling a sports hernia injury for a good chunk of the second half of this past year. He also faced consistent double teams due to the Seahawks' lack of supporting talent along the front seven.
Yes, I actually think Clowney could be a risky signing, because his production does not really match his reputation. But there is also no doubting that he is a good player, and he is still just 27 years old.
If anyone can afford to take a gamble on Clowney, it's the Raiders.
Las Vegas totaled just 32 sacks this past season, which ranked just 25th in the NFL. The Raiders got a big year out of rookie Maxx Crosby, who totaled 10 sacks, and fellow rookie Clint Ferrell finished with 4.5. Those two are considered the club's primary pass rushers moving forward. But while Crosby has already shown he can get to the quarterback, questions remain about Ferrell moving forward after a rather disappointing inaugural NFL campaign.
So why not bring in Clowney to help?
Not only would Clowney immediately provide the pass rush with a lift, but he could also serve as a mentor to both Crosby and Ferrell and help them develop moving forward.
Las Vegas has numerous holes up and down the roster. And in spite of the fact that the Raiders were actually in playoff contention in 2019, they are still quite a ways away from legitimately contending for a Super Bowl.
But you have to start somewhere, and addressing the defense—particularly the pass rush—is a good place to kick things off.
Of course, Clowney's price tag will surely be a bit high. He will almost definitely want to be the highest-paid edge rusher on the free agent market this offseason. Which could result in him receiving a deal that doesn't quite match his statistical output.
Still, you need to take risks to be competitive in the NFL. And Clowney could be a risk that the Raiders should absolutely take.
Even if he may be a bit overrated at this point, he would instantly help Las Vegas' defensive front and would make the jobs of the Raiders' young pass rushers that much easier.
Las Vegas needs to make a big splash this offseason, and Clowney could be just the splash they need.
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