Here’s why Jadeveon Clowney chose Titans over Saints

Jadeveon Clowney picked the Tennessee Titans over the New Orleans Saints

The Jadeveon Clowney sweepstakes mercifully came to an end, as the Tennessee Titans pounced on the former All-Pro pass rusher for $15 million over one season. While the New Orleans Saints made an insane last-ditch effort to add him to a loaded 53-man roster, Clowney eventually chose the more lucrative option in Nashville.

Dianna Russini confirmed that the Saints were trying to move cash around in order to sign Clowney, but they couldn’t compete with Tennessee’s offer.

Josina Anderson confirmed that the Saints were talking with Clowney and his family for hours, but the Titans choosing to up their offer is what sealed the deal and knocked New Orleans out of the running.

The Titans had more money to give to an elite pass rusher like Jadeveon Clowney

Clowney recorded just three sacks with the Seattle Seahawks last season, but that was due to the high amount of double teams he faced. Going to Tennessee should allow him to be isolated on the outside more often, as the lack of depth in Seattle forced offenses to hone in on the former No. 1 overall pick and three-time Pro Bowler.

The Saints are already projected to be $78 million over the cap next season, and adding Clowney for anything longer than one year might’ve complicated things further. Instead of signing up for Drew Brees’ likely last dance, Clowney will head to Nashville to form one of the best pass rush tandems in the league between him and Harold Landry.

The Saints could’ve transformed their defense by adding Clowney, but the extra money added in by Tennessee and the potential to be coached by Mike Vrabel eventually won him over. Opposing quarterbacks are going to need to bring their lunchpail to work when they take on the Titans.