There has been some chatter about linking the Philadelphia Eagles with Pittsburgh Steelers’ edge rusher T.J. Watt, but that talk is unlikely to linger long. Can the Eagles benefit from another unconventional free agent signing?
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report shared the best landing destinations for five of the top defensive free agents before training camp opens in late July. Jadeveon Clowney was a free agent, and the Eagles were one of his three potential destinations.
“The Eagles’ defense took a number of hits this offseason, including losing Josh Sweat to free agency. While Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt, as well as pass-rush specialists Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche, are anticipated to take over, it wouldn’t hurt to have Clowney as a backup.
Can Clowney help the Eagles in 2025, and what role would he play?
Nothing against Clowney; he could actually help the Eagles. He’s had a solid 11-season career with three Pro Bowls and nine or 9.5 sacks in four seasons, but he’s never reached double-digits.
There is one issue with Clowney: his age. At the age of 32, how much can Clowney contribute to a football team? He recorded 5.5 sacks with the Carolina Panthers last year, but it was nowhere near the productivity fans had come to expect from him over the previous 11 years.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is looking for younger, more affordable players to sign with the squad. This offseason, none of Philadelphia’s free agent signings lasted more than a year or cost more than $5 million.
If Clowney wants to play for the Eagles, he must be willing to accept a low-ball contract and is not guaranteed a starting position. Smith is the leading edge rusher, and the Eagles want to see what Hunt can do as well. Clowney would have to accept a rotational position with Philadelphia to stay fit and active throughout the long season.
Signing Clowney would not be a bad move for Roseman, but it would contradict everything he has established this offseason in terms of their strategy. If Clowney accepts the proper deal, Philadelphia might make a surprisingly nice move.
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