6 free-agent defensive ends the Vikings could sign in 2020
By Dean Jones
Jadeveon Clowney
Star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney enjoyed a fantastic year with the Seattle Seahawks in 2019 after a high-profile trade from the Houston Texans.
Even though the former No. 1 overall pick recorded just three sacks during the season, it was the elements of his game that did not end up on the stat sheet which were most impressive.
Clowney is a colossal presence on the line of scrimmage and he warrants significant attention from opposing offensive lines. He is relentless in pursuit of the quarterback and he also displays outstanding awareness in the run game.
This was no more evident than in Seattle’s game against the Vikings last season. Clowney was a menace on almost every down and was a big part of running back Dalvin Cook becoming a non-factor.
There is little doubt that Clowney is going to command tremendous interest if he hits the free-agent market and acquiring him will not be cheap. Spotrac predicts the pass-rusher to command a jaw-dropping $20 million annual salary on a five-year, $120 million deal.
Any demands such as this would put Minnesota out of the running regardless of whether Everson Griffen stays or not. The Vikings also have pressing needs elsewhere and they will find it hard to justify paying another defensive end so much.
If Clowney’s price ends up being somewhere in the region of $12 million to $15 million, then this becomes more acceptable and something Minnesota might be able to manage.