If Jadeveon Clowney was the Houston Texans’ emergency edge defense kit, then the New Orleans Saints have found the stash and are about to abscond with it.
According to Tom Pelissero from the NFL Network, the NFC South club is “sending an all-out blitz” to convince the former 2014 No. 1 overall pick to sign with them. There are also at least two mystery teams involved that seek Clowney’s services.
Much like Clowney’s franchise tag holdout with the Texans last season, the saga is appearing to wrap up as the regular season draws nigh. For the third time in as many seasons, the three-time Pro Bowler will be playing Week 1 with another team.
The #Saints are sending an all-out blitz to try to sign Jadeveon Clowney, who has spoken multiple times to coach Sean Payton, sources tell me and @RapSheet. At least two other teams still involved as Clowney's extended free-agent saga nears a close.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 3, 2020
According to Pro Football Focus, Clowney is the 14th-best edge defender in the NFL. Now, the Saints will be pairing that talent with defensive end Cameron Jordan.
Jadeveon Clowney is one of the best run defenders in the league, regardless of position. But as a pure pass-rusher, he flashes dominance more than he brings it every single snap. Over the past three seasons, 12 edge rushers have more total pressures than the 171 that Clowney has racked up. Yet, in run defense, his grade is over 90.0 and he leads all edge rushers in tackles for a loss or no gain on the play. Clowney remains unsigned likely due to his asking price, but he is certainly a quality player.
On Aug. 31, the Texans traded Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks for edge defenders Barkevious Mingo, Jacob Martin, and a 2020 third-round pick. Houston later used that third-rounder to send to the Oakland Raiders for former 2017 first-round cornerback Gareon Conley, who now figures to be in the secondary’s starting rotation at cornerback. Martin also finished the 2019 season with 3.5 sacks, more than Clowney had during his one-season stay in the Pacific Northwest. The Texans have been pleased with Martin’s progress during training camp.
