Titans free agent spotlight: EDGE Jadeveon Clowney

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking a closer look at the Titans’ free agent class. One by one, we’ll provide some basic details on the player before making an argument for both sides — why the Titans should, or shouldn’t re-sign that player. We’ll also offer our final verdict and a prediction to go along with it.

Today, we are looking at a player that had one of the more disappointing outcomes in 2020.

Name: Jadeveon Clowney

Position: EDGE rusher

Age: 27

Why the Titans should keep Clowney: The Titans finally landed their big prized free agent when they convinced Clowney to sign in Tennessee. The courtship of Clowney lasted several months, and the Titans fended off several other suitors when they landed his services. Despite the ultimate disappointment this turned out to be, the edge position and overall defense was better with Clowney on the field than it was without him. He certainly applied more pressure on the quarterback than the players that replaced him down the stretch of the season did. He’s an excellent fit in this scheme, and could have a bounce back season in 2021. Clowney’s market is unlikely to be as competitive this offseason as it was a year ago, meaning that the Titans could actually land him on a team-friendly deal. Clowney could then outproduce the terms of that deal, giving the Titans excellent return on their investment.

Why the Titans should let Clowney walk: Clowney signed a one-year deal with the hope of turning in a career year with his old pal Mike Vrabel. He would then take that season and leverage it into a big contract, whether here or elsewhere. His plan backfired in a major way. Clowney was brought in to help the team get more pressure on the quarterback. He finished the season with a big fat zero in the sack column, and his injury issues reared their ugly head once again. Clowney only played in eight games before landing on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Final verdict: If Clowney’s market is as quiet as I think it may be, it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to bring him back on a low-risk contract, something in the neighborhood of one-year, $5 million. But if his market develops into anything more than that, they should let another team take that risk.

Prediction: It’s safe to say that this didn’t go how both parties thought it would. Clowney was brought in to improve this pass rush and defense, and the team took major steps backwards in both areas. Both parties will likely look for fresh starts elsewhere.

What are your thoughts? Should the Titans re-sign Clowney? Leave your opinion in the comments.