FanPost

Is there a Clowney trade out there for us?

Start right here, that way we are all on the same page. Did you read it?

Good.

Sometime in the coming months, Jadeveon Clowney is going to be obscenely wealthy. Clowney has been a NAME since he was selected first overall back in 2014, but it seems (per the article you were supposed to have just read) they are far apart in trade discussions.

Buffalo has brought in just about each and every edge rusher that has a first round grade for a pre-draft interview, so the desire to upgrade edge rush is there. Buffalo finished an epic spending spree a few weeks back, but is slated to have even more cap space at the conclusion of this year.

You have to spend this money on someone, might as well be an excellent 25 year old pass rusher.

Clowney has done a yoeman's job shedding his "injured" label, as he's only missed 3 games in the past 3 years. So let's skip the questions about his durability. He's a fabulous run defender as well, so even if he isn't getting the QB down, he's not at all a liability against running backs.

Sooooo what's the contract gonna be?

Before we examine the return, the closest comp is Demarcus Lawrence and his shiny new 5/105. Lawrence was drafted the same year, but has 5 more career sacks in 2 more games played. Let's say it matches Lawrence's contract (give or take a million.) Buffalo could easily offer a front loaded contract to reduce future cap hits (Tre White, Matt Milano, Josh Allen, etc) and wring out the best years of his career while finishing the contract at his age 30 year. That is exactly the sweet spot to be finishing up the deal. This would greatly diminish the need to draft an edge rusher this year.

Ok, so what would we have to give up?

Houston would no doubt start discussions similar to what Chicago paid Oakland for Kalil Mack (essentially this year's first round pick, and next year's for Mack and CHI's second rounder next year.) As good as Clowney is, he's not at the level of Mack. I would offer a player and a second round pick. Houston has an appalling offensive line, so I would think long and hard about biting the bullet and offering Dion Dawkins and this year's second round pick. I fully understand those not wanting to part with Dawkins, OR the pick, but I think this is a nice return for Houston. At pick 9 you likely still have your pick of OT's, and we are still the team receiving the elite player. If you want, you can start discussions at Shaq Lawson and a second, but I believe this grabs Houston's attention a bit more.

This would be a medium risk, high reward proposition, but is it one you would make for Buffalo?

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.