The Seattle Seahawks had a disastrously bad season getting to the quarterback last year, a big part of the team’s late season struggles and eventual loss to the Packers in the NFC divisional round.
This team absolutely needs to improve in that area if they want to stay competitive in the NFC, and the easiest place to start is to bring back star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who is entering free agency.
It’s no surprise that both coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider, speaking to the media at the NFL combine, reiterated their desire to see him in a Seahawks uniform again this year.
“We’d love to have him back,” Schneider said. “I think he came in he loved the culture, loves the coaching staff, loves the chefs loves our equipment guys. He’s a really fun guy, he was a blast to be around and I hope we can continue that.”
Schneider wouldn’t comment on any current negotiations going on with Clowney and his representatives, with Carroll showing a bit more urgency in his remarks.
“We’re going to try,” Carroll said about bringing Clowney back. “We’re trying to get it done. He had a fantastic season. We’d love to have him back.”
I’m sure Schneider and Carroll mean it when they say they want Clowney back, but it all depends on the cost. And right now, it’s looking like that is going to be a very, very big number.
We know Clowney is looking for a market-setting contract, potentially even above the figures Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack earned. If that’s the case, Seattle may have a hard time fitting him onto a roster that is already paying Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner at or near the top value at their respective positions.
The team does have the cap room, so it’s not impossible, but it would severely limit their ability to sign other free agents and would hamper their long-term spending pretty significantly.
Whether that kind of spending is worth it for a guy like Clowney is up for debate, and is without a doubt the biggest decision facing Carroll, Schneider and the rest of the front office this offseason.
