This Move Makes Too Much Sense: Why Clowney Could Be the Seahawks' Steal of the Offseason
John Schneider hasn't pulled the trigger on a big free agent splash yet this offseason, but he's still got time. And if he's smart, he'll make a call to a guy who knows both the system and the city: three-time Pro Bowler Jadeveon Clowney.
Look, the math here is almost too easy. Seattle has a real need at edge rusher after Boye Mafe left for Cincinnati. Yeah, the Seahawks still have three solid pieces there, but adding Clowney would upgrade the entire group. The best part? He's not some unknown quantity. Clowney played for Mike Macdonald when the head coach was the defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. He knows the scheme. He knows what Macdonald wants. And he knows Seattle, too, having played for the Seahawks back in 2019.
The Age Question Isn't Really a Question
Sure, Clowney is 33 now. But last season with the Dallas Cowboys, he put up 8.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. That's not the resume of a guy hanging it up. In 2023 with Baltimore, he had an even better year with 9.5 sacks and his typically elite run defense. These aren't numbers from a washed-up veteran. These are numbers from a player who can still dominate on Sundays.
Here's the kicker: Clowney shouldn't cost a ton. According to Spotrac, his market value sits at just $5.7 million in 2026. For a three-time Pro Bowler with that kind of production? That's a bargain. Seattle still has plenty of cap space left to spend this offseason, which makes this even more doable.
The Timeline Works Too
Clowney doesn't need to rush into anything. He's comfortable waiting because he knows he'll play a lot wherever he lands, and the bulk of his money won't come until the season starts anyway. A signing bonus helps, sure, but not enough to push him to sign before training camp.
That works perfectly for the Seahawks. Schneider only has four draft picks to work with, and he might trade back in the first round to collect more selections. If Seattle finds an edge rusher in the second round, great. If not, Clowney sits right there waiting in the free agent pool on a one-year deal. If the edge rusher wants to follow DeMarcus Lawrence's path from 2025 and jump from Dallas to a potential Super Bowl contender, coming back to the Pacific Northwest makes all the sense in the world.
This move has no downside. Low risk, serious upside. The kind of deal that's become signature Schneider in 2026.
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about Pro Bowler.
View X conversation →🔮 Trade Seattle Sports on Kalshi
Did you know you can trade on Seattle sports outcomes on Kalshi, the only federally regulated prediction market in the US? Kalshi is available in Washington state. Bet on Seahawks games, Mariners season outcomes, Kraken playoff runs, and more. No sportsbook account needed.
💰 Limited offer: Get a FREE $10 when you sign up!
👉 Sign up at Kalshi.com and use promo code SEATTLEONTAP to claim your free $10.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.