Adrian Clayborn: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent DE

Two of the four seasons Adrian Clayborn spent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being drafted in the first round of the 2011 draft were cut short due to different ailments. Now, he's set to hit the free-agent market, forcing teams to weigh his potential impact against the injury risk. 

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Cowboys, Falcons, Seahawks, Vikings, Giants Show Interest in Clayborn

Saturday, March 7

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported five teams have already shown interest in Clayborn:

Clayborn had a solid rookie campaign, highlighted by 7.5 sacks. He also chipped in 42 tackles and three forced fumbles while playing in all 16 games.

After missing most of the 2012 season due to a torn ACL, he returned and played another full slate of games the next year. He tallied 64 tackles and 5.5 sacks. While he didn't flash the same type of burst off of the edge, he was still a solid contributor.

Alas, he played just one game this past season because of a torn biceps. Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reported in December that Clayborn was cleared for activity:

He started all 36 games he played for the Bucs over the past four years. Despite that, Scott Reynolds of PewterReport.com noted the team wasn't expected to bring him back: "Another starting defensive end, Adrian Clayborn, is not expected to be re-signed this year, in addition to middle linebacker Mason Foster, who is also expected to be let go in free agency. So add two more positions that will need to find new starters in 2015."

Assuming he does move on, it will be interesting to see what type of offers he's able to garner on the open market. The production levels haven't been outstanding, but he's been a reliable player on the edge when healthy.

The injury history makes it likely teams are going to prefer a shorter-term deal—something with which he can prove himself, both in terms of getting after the quarterback and staying on the field. He could then earn a bigger contract next time he hits the market.

As mentioned, Clayborn is not the most dynamic pass-rusher. Instead, he relies on power and a nice arsenal of moves to get pressure. He also does a nice job of setting the edge against the run. He doesn't possess a top-end skill set, but Clayborn is a workmanlike producer at defensive end.

Time will tell what that translates to in terms of a dollar amount as a free agent.