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2020 NFL Free Agents: Rumors, Predictions for Jadeveon Clowney, Devonta Freeman
August 20, 2020
The start of the 2020 NFL regular season is three weeks away, yet free-agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney remains unsigned. The three-time Pro Bowler was initially considered one of the top players available in this year's free-agent class, but he has seen a limited market to this point.
The 27-year-old's health has been part of the issue, as he dealt with a sports hernia in 2019. Due to the NFL's restrictions on travel and player visits, teams weren't able to have him in for medical evaluations earlier in the offseason.
Another problem is the price tag. NBC Sports' Peter King recently told 104.5 The Zone's The Midday 180 that Clowney isn't willing to play for less than $15 million this season.
This creates a pretty significant issue for Clowney, as only 15 teams even have $15 million in remaining cap space, according to Spotrac. According to Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson, the market for him could actually be getting worse.
"After speaking to a multitude of sources who have taken part in a pursuit for Clowney, his suitors appear to be thinning rather than growing," Robinson wrote.
According to Robinson, the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks have interest in the South Carolina product but not at his current asking price.
The Seahawks make the most sense out of this group, as Clowney spent last season with the team and could likely get up to speed in the defense in short order. However, they currently have less than $12 million in cap space.
Tennessee has nearly $20 million in cap space and is the only team out of this group that could approach the $15 million mark. While the Titans might not actually pay that much, they could reach an agreement if Clowney is willing to lower his price just a bit to get on the field this season.
Prediction: Clowney signs with Tennessee.
Devonta Freeman
Former Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman is one of the other top players still remaining on the open market.
While the 28-year-old had had a bit of a rough stretch—he missed 14 games in 2018 and averaged just 3.6 yards per carry last year—he is a two-time Pro Bowler and capable dual-threat back.
Freeman recently told SiriusXM NFL Radio that he is looking to land with a winner.
"I want to win so bad. I want to be around guys that want to win," he said.
The reigning NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles could provide Freeman with the opportunity he is seeking. They won the Super Bowl just three seasons ago, and they've reached the postseason in each of the past three years.
The Eagles could also use additional depth at running back after starter Miles Sanders suffered a lower body injury. He is being considered week-to-week, according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra.
While it doesn't appear that Freeman will miss time into the regular season, it would make sense for Philadelphia to add some veteran insurance at the position.
However, the Florida State product may not be the right veteran for the Eagles. Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians stated earlier in the offseason that Freeman is looking for a lot of money, more than the Buccaneers were willing to spend.
Philadelphia envisions Sanders as an every-down back and probably won't want to pay his backup starter money. This could change, of course, if Sanders' injury leads to him missing regular-season games. The Eagles have more than $21 million in cap space.
For now, though, expect the Eagles to look for a cheaper alternative.
Prediction: Freeman doesn't sign with Philadelphia.