Jadeveon Clowney rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

4. Oakland Raiders

The minute Jon Gruden decided to trade Khalil Mack to Chicago it became clear that the Raiders would need to acquire a premier edge rusher. The Raiders might choose to fill that need via the draft, but expect them to kick the tires on young free agents like Clowney.

The Raiders finished dead last in sacks by a wide margin in 2018. They only got the opposing quarterback to the ground 13 times in 16 games. The Patriots and Giants finished in a tie one spot above Oakland with 30 sacks. Clowney could have a career season in the Bay and his team might still finish last in sacks.

The challenge for Gruden and company will be convincing Clowney that they can become a contender during his prime years. The harsh reality is that Oakland might be three to five years away from sniffing the postseason. Clowney could easily elect to restrict his list of potential teams to franchises that have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.

Ultimately, the most likely outcome here is that Clowney and company will try to use the Raiders as leverage. Everyone in the League knows how badly they need to improve their pass rush. Clowney’s representatives would be wise to at least flirt with Oakland to force other teams to up their bids. It’s unlikely Clowney will end up playing for Gruden, but it’s a marriage that could make sense for both parties.