The Pittsburgh Steelers have already signed former Baltimore Ravens defenders Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott this offseason. But on March 20, Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey argued the Steelers “must consider” another ex-Ravens defender — edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney.
Tansey included Clowney on a list of bargain free agents that the Steelers should target in NFL free agency.
“The Steelers filled out their depth at linebacker and corner with Patrick Queen and Donte Jackson and now they can fill the position opposite T.J. Watt on the front four,” wrote Tansey.
“Pittsburgh’s defense might have to be its strength in 2024 if Wilson or Fields struggle, so the more talent on that side of the ball, the better.”
Clowney has spent the past three seasons of his career in the AFC North. Last season, he recorded 9.5 sacks with 19 quarterback hits, 5 pass defenses and 2 forced fumbles with the Ravens.
From 2021-22, Clowney played 26 games for the Cleveland Browns.
The Houston Texans picked Clowney at No. 1 overall in the 2014 NFL draft.
How Jadeveon Clowney Could Fit With the Steelers
Clowney has experienced an up-and-down career since being the top pick ahead of other NFL stars Khalil Mack, Mike Evans and Aaron Donald. Clowney didn’t record his first sack until the 10th game of his career. He had just 4.5 sacks in his first 17 NFL contests.
But he broke out in 2016, making second-team All-Pro. In 2017, he reached 9.5 sacks with 21 quarterback hits.
From 2016-18, Clowney posted 24.5 sacks, 53 tackles for loss, 59 quarterback hits, and 4 forced fumbles. He made the Pro Bowl in each of those three seasons.
But over the next two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans, Clowney had 3 sacks in 21 games. He didn’t have any sacks in eight contests with the Titans during 2022.
Clowney bounced back, registering 9 sacks with the Browns in 2021. But sandwiched in between his 9-sack seasons of 2021 and 2023 was a 2-sack campaign in 2022.
The Steelers have a much more reliable pair of pass rushers with Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt. Highsmith has emerged as a force opposite the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year.
Watt and Highsmith combined for 26 sacks and 6 forced fumbles in 2023.
However, veteran edge rusher Markus Golden is an unrestricted free agent for the Steelers this offseason. If Clowney is truly a bargain coming off a career-high in sacks, then it’s worth the Steelers at least considering Clowney as a possible depth addition.
