Raiders: 6 free agents to target this offseason including Tom Brady
By Allen Settle
Pass Rushers
Jadeveon Clowney
The 2020 NFL free agency class includes assets that are generally unavailable on the open market: young pass rushers. This list is headlined by former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney, still just 27-years-old, is coming off of a down year as a pass rusher (finishing the 2019 season with just three sacks).
However, the star did have two consecutive seasons with nine or more sacks from 2017-2018. He is also widely considered one of the most effective run stoppers at his position.
More from Las Vegas Raiders News
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- Raiders: Bryan Edwards out, Henry Ruggs doubtful for Sunday
- Raiders: Damon Arnette re-injures thumb, could be headed to IR
- Raiders fall short in letdown Week 3 loss to the New England Patriots
- Raiders: Game breakdown and prediction for Week 3 at New England Patriots
Clowney’s market value is currently placed at approximately $20 million in annual salary. This means that bringing him to Las Vegas would require a massive chunk of the Raiders’ cap space.
However, at the end of the day, prime pass rushers in their mid-to-late twenties are a valuable community in the NFL. Jon Gruden and company should seriously consider going all-in on Clowney this offseason.
Dante Fowler
Dante Fowler is another young pass rusher who is entering his prime. While the former Florida Gators star may not command the same amount of money as Clowney, his career-high 11.5 sacks in 2019 will ensure that he is a priority for many teams.
The 25-year-old would give the Raiders their best natural pass rusher since the team let go of Khalil Mack in 2018. He would also be an ideal fit alongside current standout Maxx Crosby.