Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney met with Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores and the Dolphins’ organization Tuesday. Clowney’s name has been floated around the NFL in trade rumors and Miami is looming as a serious contender.
Trade rumors surfaced a few weeks ago when the Texans went public about not being willing to pay in the range of money Clowney wanted. Houston has also not designated the franchise tag for Clowney that would give both parties another year to negotiate a new deal.
What Clowney could bring to Miami
In five seasons, Clowney has 205 total tackles, 29 sacks, five forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 11 pass deflections and two defensive TD’s. The six-foot, five-inch Clowney can bring size, stature and game-IQ to a rebuilding Dolphins club. This is more impeccable now, with the team making five notable releases in the past 48 hours ahead of the 53-man roster deadline (Saturday). The 26-year-old could be compared by some to the great Zach Thomas who spent 12 years in Miami. Clowney would also be able to help a Dolphins’ defense that finished 14th out of 16th in the AFC with total sacks last season (31). Clowney’s speed alone will also help Miami apply pressure to the quarterback.
The Money?
Clowney has been a force to be reckoned with ever since joining the league and playing opposite alongside J.J. Watt, but with Clowney due to have an uptick in pay this season that could be in jeopardy. Clowney could possibly make around $17 million dollars, but if he were to sign the Texans’ franchise tag, he’d only make $15.9 million dollars. If he signs the tag, Clowney could also miss out on $940,000 dollars each week if he misses any playing time. Miami has also made it clear that it is not interested in trading starting offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil, so who (or what) the Dolphins would give up for Clowney is just speculative at this time.
Full Press Dolphins will continue to follow this story as it develops.
– Carl Mahler is a Sports Contributor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @C3Mahler Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.
