
While a bunch of NFL free agents have signed contracts this offseason, Jadeveon Clowney has yet to land a deal. The Indianapolis Colts, who certainly need pass-rushing help, should sign the veteran defensive end.
Jay Robins of Stampede Blue wrote about the best free agent edge rushers who are still available. He listed Clowney as an option:
“Jadeveon Clowney has a strong reputation as a run defender, which is certainly warranted with his run defense grade being 69.9-90.8 in 10 of his 12 NFL seasons. However he also had the highest pressure rate of any Free Agent Defensive End in 2025, with his 17.6% pressure rate eclipsing any season that even star Trey Hendrickson has had.”
Clowney has played for several teams during his career. Could Indianapolis be his next stop?
The Houston Texans selected Jadeveon Clowney first overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was the first defensive player selected first overall by any team since Mario Williams in 2006 (also by the Texans). But due to injury, Clowney played only four games during his rookie year.
The following season, Clowney started nine of his 13 games. He recorded 40 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and six passes defended.
Clowney made his first Pro Bowl in 2016. He was also named a Second-Team All-Pro that year. The former South Carolina star made the Pro Bowl in 2017 and 2018 as well.
Clowney was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2019. He later had stints with the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and Dallas Cowboys.
Last season with Dallas, Clowney recorded 41 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and four defended passes. He has totaled 450 total tackles, 66.5 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, an interception, a defensive touchdown, and 36 defended passes during his career.
The Colts are coming off a disappointing 8-9 season. There are many reasons behind that, such as losing starting quarterback Daniel Jones to an Achilles injury. But having a not-so-great defense is also one of those reasons.
While Laiatu Latu led the team with 8.5 sacks, no other Colts defender had more than four. The team ranked just 30th in pass rush win rate (29%) in 2025.
This offseason, Colts fans were hoping to land star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. However, he wound up going to the Baltimore Ravens after the failed Maxx Crosby trade.
No, Jadeveon Clowney can’t make a Trey-Hendrickson-type of impact. And no, he’s not the Pro Bowl-caliber player that he used to be in Houston. But despite being 33 years old, Clowney is still a quality defender who could help improve Indy’s pass rush in 2026. Plus, he would be an inexpensive signing, which is always a good thing.
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