Why is 2014 No. 1 pick Jadeveon Clowney a free agent again?

Two weeks into NFL free agency, and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney remains unsigned.

Clowney is used to this. He has played for seven teams since the Houston Texans selected him with the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Last season, the pass-rusher suited up for the Dallas Cowboys, who signed him to a one-year deal after Week 2 of the regular season. It doesn't appear they will re-sign him after switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.  

But why is a player who consistently produces like Clowney usually searching for a new home at the beginning of free agency? 

Why has Jadeveon Clowney bounced around the league?

Per Pro Football Reference, Clowney ranks 22nd among active players in sacks (66.5). Last season, he led the Cowboys in sacks (8.5 in 13 games). That mark tied for 20th in the league, and it was more than other edge-rushers who've already signed elsewhere in free agency. 

Linebacker Jaelan Phillips had five sacks in 17 games with the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles last season. The Carolina Panthers signed him to a four-year, $120M deal at the start of free agency, which may be an overpay. 

Phillips failed to record more than 8.5 sacks in five seasons with the Eagles and Dolphins. Clowney has finished with 8.5 sacks or more twice over the past three seasons. He had 9.5 in 17 games with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. 

Teams may be avoiding Clowney because of his age (33) and his failure to live up to predraft hype. After he delivered a memorable hit in a 33-28 South Carolina Gamecocks win over the Michigan Wolverines in the 2013 Outback Bowl, he was quickly billed as one of the best defensive prospects of the decade.