The biggest free agent out on the market appears to have found a home. Defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney is reported to be heading to head coach Mike Vrabel and the Tennessee Titans.
Jadeveon Clowney is expected to sign with the Tennessee Titans sources tell ESPN. He rejoins Mike Vrabel who was on the Texans defensive staff for Clowney’s first 3 years in the league in Houston. The Saints, the other main suitor, made a very strong case. This was a close one.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) September 5, 2020
Russini’s report was later confirmed by ESPN’s Josina Anderson.
Jadeveon Clowney just informed me he just let the #Saints know he's now chosen the #Titans. New Orleans made a last ditch push through the overnight to improve its deal & lure him away, but "it came down to familiarity over economics." Added "packing now to head there in morning"
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 6, 2020
Anderson also said that “The back & forth w/ the Saints went on for hours. Clowney & his family are up now talking to family. He’s also texting now that the Titans improved their offer. ‘Yes they did.’ Adding, “Almost sealed it last night, but we had to lay everything out for the best outcome for me.'”
And yes, per Anderson, the Seahawks were in the running, as well. The Seahawks were calling late too. There’s definitely a whole lot more to how they were attempting to potentially get Clowney back last night too, but I’ll leave it at that.”
There is a connection between Vrabel and Clowney, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2014. He spent time with Vrabel as a Houston Texan. Clowney moved on from Houston to Seattle and now heads to Tennessee, the third team in his career.
More on Jadeveon Clowney expecting to sign with the Tennessee Titans, via @diannaESPN.https://t.co/I1yhVMGmNl
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2020
The seventh-year veteran had his best season in 2017, when he played in Vrabel’s scheme for the Texans. Clowney posted career highs in sacks (9.5), tackles for a loss (21) and QB hits (21) that season.
In addition to Vrabel, Clowney played for Titans outside linebackers coach Shane Bowen in Houston. Titans defensive backs coach Anthony Midget held the same title on the Texans staff that coached Clowney.
Clowney was named to three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2016-18 with the Texans. Overall, he has 236 tackles, 32 sacks, 9 forced fumbles, 7 recoveries, 51 tackles for loss, an interception and 4 defensive touchdowns.