5 free agents the Steelers should consider after the 2022 NFL Draft
By Tommy Jaggi
Steelers should pursue EDGE Jadeveon Clowney
If the Steelers are willing to spend more in order to get a very well-rounded player and terrific run defender at the edge position, they could always throw their hat in the ring for Jadeveon Clowney. I know just mentioning this makes some fans upset because they like Alex Highsmith so much, but I don’t doubt for a second that Clowney is still the better player.
While Clowney has never earned a double-digit sack season despite being a former first overall pick, he’s double-teamed at a very high rate and still offers the consistent ability to generate pressure on the quarterback thanks to his size, length, athleticism, and power.
In 14 games with the Browns last year, Clowney earned 9.0 sacks, 11 tackles for a loss, and 19 quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Reference. In addition, he graded out quite well all around.
Having a player like Clowney would be a luxury, but he did only earn $8 million on a one-year deal with the Browns in 2021. If the Steelers could get him at a similar price point, it would give them one of the strongest edge groups and probably the top edge pairing in the NFL.