Fansided

Jadeveon Clowney rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

By William Schneiderhan

Jadeveon Clowney, Seattle Seahawks. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
Jadeveon Clowney, Seattle Seahawks. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 01: Justin Houston #99 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates with other members of the Indianapolis Colts defense after recovering a Ryan Tannehill fumble in the second quarter of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 01: Justin Houston #99 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates with other members of the Indianapolis Colts defense after recovering a Ryan Tannehill fumble in the second quarter of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

1. Indianapolis Colts

Current cap space: $86,137,492

Was there a team that was handed a larger blow than the Indianapolis Colts this past season? After a trip to the Divisional round in 2018, Andrew Luck suddenly retired prior to the 2019 regular season.

Unsurprisingly, the team took a step back, went 7-9 and missed the playoffs. Jacoby Brissett was manageable under center, but the offense was hard to watch if they couldn’t run the ball and work with leads.

On defense, the team finished middle of the pack, or lower, in most categories outside of run stopping. They were top-10 in fewest rushing yards and touchdowns allowed but defending the pass and creating pressure were different stories.

Signing secondary help is probably a higher priority for general manager Chris Ballard. But with the second-largest amount of cap space, inking Clowney and addressing the defensive back situation is more than reasonable.

Justin Houston led the team with 11 sacks and he is under contract for 2020. Jabaal Sheard had the third-most sacks for the Colts last season, but he now becomes a free agent.

This is an easy replacement to make for Ballard. Let Sheard walk and bring in Clowney to play defensive end. With Houston and budding star Darius Leonard, the front seven would be in real good shape for the Colts heading into next season.

Next. Las Vegas Raiders: 5 offseason needs in 2020. dark

When you have this much cap space to work with, it is always important to not get carried away and make dumb signings. Clowney would be money well spent and would help keep this window open for the Colts.

Home/NFL Free Agency