Can the New York Jets continue their strong offseason by adding one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers?
Having reportedly signed free agent receiver Mike Williams to a one-year contract, worth up to $15 million following his visit to East Rutherford on Tuesday, Gang Green is hoping to multiply its good fortune by securing the services of linebacker Jadeveon Clowney after his scheduled visit on Wednesday.
However, will the Jets have enough “green” left on the soon-to-be barren shelves of the Meadowlands vault to do so?
Though the salary cap implications of Williams’ freshly-inked contract have yet to be determined, the deal is likely to make a potential Clowney signing a bit more problematic. Listed as having approximately $9.1 million in available cap space (per OverTheCap.com on Tuesday,) the Jets will need to hope that the chance to contend for a championship in 2024 is enough to convince Clowney to sign with them on a discounted deal.
The task may be compounded by the Carolina Panthers, who are slated to meet with Clowney on Thursday — and, are reportedly “intent” on brining the Rock Hill, South Carolina native back home. The Panthers are currently $15 million under the salary cap this season.
Clowney turned in a standout performance for the Baltimore Ravens last season. He logged 43 total tackles (nine, for loss), 19 quarterback hits, five passes-defensed and tied his career-high with 9.5 sacks. He also set a career-high with 71 total pressures, the 11th-most among edge rushers. Clowney was not only highly-valuable in rushing the quarterback, he was also stout in defending the run.
In his lone season with the Ravens, Clowney played on a $2.5 million deal. Though his stellar performance more than justifies a significant pay raise, the Jets may have difficulty in meeting those contractual demands — given his projected worth of a one-year contract worth $9 million, per Pro Football Focus.
Despite Williams’ deal, the Jets may still find ways to manipulate the cap to accommodate an agreement with Clowney for 2024. Still, the fanbase need not lament, should he choose to sign elsewhere. New York has pass-rusher Will McDonald to potentially succeed Bryce Huff, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles last week.
No matter the outcome of Clowney’s Wednesday visit, the future is looking bright for the Jets thanks to an aggressive, yet smart offseason strategy from general manager Joe Douglas and the front office.
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