:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69079049/1228749629.0.jpg)
Now that free agency is officially in the rear-view mirror, it is starting to become clearer what Chris Grier and his staff will be looking for heading into the 2021 NFL draft. A draft that, by many accounts, is loaded with talent in key areas of need.
But the team doesn't necessarily have to wait until draft day to improve the roster.
In fact, one of the team’s top remaining needs remains at the defensive end position after the team traded Shaq Lawson to Houston in exchange for Bendardrick McKinney. (Go ahead, make your jokes)
I’m sure everyone has their favorite veteran free-agent pass-rusher.
Some will say, Melvin Ingram, while others may focus on Aldon Smith, Justin Houston, or Ryan Kerrigan. You can make a case for a dozen of these guys, and all might fit the system pretty damn well. But the player that interests me the most and admittedly has for a few years is Jadeveon Clowney.
Now, I know, I know.
“Really, Houtz?!?! The guy that said he didn’t want to come to Miami to play for a team tanking for a quarterback—not once, but twice?!?!?!”
“The same Jadeveon Clowney that hasn’t put up double-digit sacks EVER in the NFL.”
The answer is quite simple. Yes.
Sure, there are questions surrounding his work ethic. And I’ve heard others speculate that maybe he doesn't love football. I don’t know if any of that is true. But what I think we can all agree on is that Jadeveon Clowney would be a perfect fit in Brian Flores’ defense.
Clowney can set the edge, and does a very good job vs. the run. He also has all the tools to be an effective pass-rusher.
The only person that may have been thinking about Clowney in Miami for as long as I, is Stone Cold Brian Flores himself.
could the #dolphins trade for texans' pass-rusher jadeveon clowney? better yet, is he worth the compensation and a massive multi-year deal in the future? here's a look at three of his more dominant games in 2018.
— josh houtz (@houtz) August 29, 2019
spoiler alert: he's very #good...but i WOULD NOT trade tunsil pic.twitter.com/nixpfIZS2x
If money is the issue, don’t fret; Spotrac is currently projecting Clowney to get a one-year deal worth roughly $6.5-million. And as we’ve heard about three dozen times this offseason, Miami has a plethora of moves they can make to free up cap space.
Jadeveon Clowney hasn’t received a ton of interest in the open market, though he did meet with the Cleveland Browns a few weeks ago. This, in my opinion, could indicate that it is doubtful he signs with a new team before the draft. Allowing the veteran pass-rusher to pick and choose the perfect destination.
The Dolphins will probably find their run-stopping, versatile defensive end in the draft later this month. But if they want a player already established that fits Brian Flores’ system as well as anyone, it would be in their best interest to give Jadeveon Clowney a call.
I want Jadeveon ‘Doo-Doo’ Clowney in Miami.