3 Possible Trade Destinations for Jadeveon Clowney

The Houston Texans are at a standstill with defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, as the 2014 first overall pick is currently holding out after failing to sign an extension with the team by the franchise tag deadline on July 15.

Clowney, 26, has totaled 29 sacks during his first five years in the league, and while he hasn't quite reached his top draft pick potential, he remains one of the league's elite pass rushers. After missing 12 games during his rookie year, the often-nicked up Clowney has missed six total games over the past four seasons.

If the Texans are unable to tag Clowney for $15.9 million before the season, which currently seems unlikely, they will seriously need to consider trading the All-Pro defensive end to avoid a potential year-long holdout.

Here are three possible trade destinations for Clowney as we approach the 2019 NFL season.

3. Oakland Raiders

It would be a curious move for the Oakland Raiders to trade for Clowney and sign him to a massive contract, after they refused to do so with the superior Khalil Mack, but the Raiders are a curious organization. (Mack was also taken fifth overall in 2014, when the Texans drafted Clowney first overall.) Oakland has clearly shifted to a win-now mentality with its trade for Antonio Brown, and adding an impact player like Clowney to the defense would follow that trend. They have plenty of cap space to sign Clowney longterm, as well as the picks to make the trade in the first place.

2. New York Jets

The New York Jets reloaded big time in the offseason, signing free agents Le'Veon Bell, Jamison Crowder and C.J. Mosley, while adding an impact player via the draft with the third overall pick in defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. If the Jets really wanted to go all out for 2019, they could make a run at Clowney, who will add some much-needed pass rush to the Jets defense. A front line that features Clowney, Williams, and fifth-year defensive end Leonard Williams would be one scary trio.

1. Seattle Seahawks

After making a surprise run to the playoffs last season, the Seattle Seahawks will have to be at their very best yet again in 2019, in what should be a highly contested NFC West division. The Seahawks currently have a big void at defensive end, after they traded Frank Clark to the Chiefs back in April for draft picks. Seattle did sign Ezekiel Ansah, formerly of Detroit, but can surely use another pass rush option, especially considering Ansah's injury woes. For a team that always values defense, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Seahawks swoop in and make an offer for Clowney.

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