Steelers Are An Appealing Next Stop In 2023 For A Ruthless Defender From An AFC North Rival

The offseason is nearing an end for the NFL, including the Pittsburgh Steelers. Akin to picking playground style, the majority of the strong talents left have been selected already. However, there are always a few players that hang around until the end. They are either looking for a better offer or just haven't found that good fit yet. 

In that same vein, teams usually have a few spots left on their roster that aren't solidified. They are either needing to add depth, or are unsure of how a current player will perform. Or perhaps there is an unexpected injury. 

One of those players that is surprisingly still available is Jadeveon Clowney, a defensive end, most recently with the Cleveland Browns. Clowney is entering his 10th season in the NFL and he was the first overall selection by the Houston Texans in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was widely considered to be a generational type of talent on defense. He outshined all other ends at his combine that year, running a remarkable 4.53 in the 40-yard dash.

Unfortunately for Clowney, while the talent was there, he was constantly hampered by injuries. He only played 4 games in his rookie season and recorded just seven tackles. 

The injuries were not enough to completely stifle his abilities and he was selected to three Pro Bowls during his last three years in Houston. In 2019, Clowney was traded to the Seattle Seahawks. In spite of having a strong season with the Seahawks, Clowney found himself signing a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans in 2020. He was once again on the IR early in the season after a knee injury. 

Then in 2021, Clowney found himself in Cleveland. The Browns had reportedly been interested in Clowney for years and were thrilled to have the opportunity to bring him on board. His first two seasons with Cleveland went well. Despite that, Clowney wasn't happy and publicly complained. 

After the second to last game of the season, Clowney told reporters that he felt that the coaches were not playing him enough in favor of Myles Garrett. He told them that for that reason, it was likely he would not return to the Browns. He later apologized for his statements to both the organization and Garrett. However, the damage was done. He was benched for the final game against the Steelers and released in March. 

This really did not come as a surprise to many. There have been rumblings in the past about his immature behavior, including notes that he should have a mentor or go to a team with a father figure as a rookie. He frequently seemed to over-inflate his own worth, or at least diminish the impact of his injuries. He played a bit of a game of chicken with Seattle and lost. They were not willing to budge on their offer and he wasn't willing to take less. 

Now Clowney is in limbo without a team to call home. As one of the best remaining players still available, it has analysts wondering how a number one draft pick could find himself in this situation and speculating about where he might end up in 2023. 

Steelers Named A Top Landing Spot For Jadeveon Clowney 

In a recent report from Managing Editor for Last Word Sports, David Latham postulated that the Steelers would be a perfect fit for Clowney. Latham recognizes that Clowney isn't a three-down player any longer, a team cannot rely on him for every down. 

"At this point in his career, Jadeveon Clowney is probably better off as a rotational pass rusher, rather than an every-down starter. However, that doesn't mean he can't be effective in the right role. The former first-overall pick is still effective in the right role and is an ideal player for a team looking for a jack of all trades, master of none on the edge. He can do a little bit of everything, and that versatility is crucial in an injury-filled sport like football."

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is well known for his ability to handle challenging behaviors. He is also not one to shy away from a player who feels like they need more reps. He had a way of working with players and their egos. He helps them see the bigger picture, and the greater good, and become solid teammates. 

The problem with Clowney is that he hasn't shown that he has that desire. For a player to work well with Tomlin, they have to be willing to put the team first and show that they are willing to come around to his way of thinking. Clowney has only shown that he is willing to chuck his teammates, like Garrett, under the bus without hesitation. 

Perhaps Tomlin could pull the old Jedi mind trick on Clowney and help him see what is the "right role" for him, but from an outside perspective, that feels like a reach. In addition, it feels as though one of the things that holds Clowney back is the fact that he still overvalues himself. He consistently wants first-string, injury-free play when he is an injury-riddled situational player. 

What do you think about the Steelers possibly signing Clowney? Do you see him fitting in on the team? Do you think Tomlin can teach an old dog new tricks? Click to comment below!

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