NFL free agency 2019: Best linebackers available

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans walks on the field prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Texans 32-30. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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1. Jadeveon Clowney

One of the biggest names in free agency this year is Jadeveon Clowney. The former first overall draft selection is one of the premier pass-rushers in the league, although the production may not always make it seem that way. His five-year career thus far has been rather bumpy, especially due to some serious injuries.

Clowney missed mostly all of his rookie campaign due to a torn meniscus, and missed half of his second season in 2015 with ankle and Linsfranc sprains. Despite a tough start to his career, Clowney has bounced back with three consecutive Pro-Bowl seasons, amassing 24.5 sacks over those three seasons.

The talent is obviously there, but various external variables have kept Clowney from achieving his full potential. Perhaps a change of scenery is what is needed to truly bring the most out of the outside linebackers career. Not that career marks of 26 sacks, 64 tackles for loss, and 67 quarterback hits are bad. There simply may just be another level to Clowney’s game that we have yet to see.

Next. 5 best fits for Jadeveon Clowney. dark

Should Clowney hit the open market, he will command a hefty contract. Not quite on the level of Khalil Mack like we saw to kick off the 2018 season, but perhaps in the range of $16-$20 million per year. Indications are that Clowney would like to stay in Houston, but anything can happen during the offseason.

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