The Indianapolis Colts have made some big splashes in free agency already, but they might not be done yet.
There have been rumors linking the Colts to pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, but that was before they went and traded for DeForest Buckner.
The Colts still have cap space leftover after getting Buckner and signing Philip Rivers to a one-year $25 million deal.
However, does it make sense for the Colts to heavily pursue Clowney in free agency or should the team pass on the elite pass rusher?
Would Clowney Fit in Indy?
The Colts have already added Buckner in exchange for the No. 13 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Indy has Buckner locked up for five years at $21 million per season.
That’s a hefty price to pay, but Buckner is one of the best defensive ends in the NFL.
There’s still room for improvement on the defensive line that would make Clowney a potential fit.
However, Clowney isn’t exactly a cheap option, so it’s unclear if the Colts want to spend a majority of their remaining cap space on another defensive lineman.
As Jadeveon Clowney continues to wait, I'm told he's considering options, including a potential shorter term deal w/ a chance to re-enter market in a year or two. Many people around league expect him back in Seattle. A $20M price tag has been steep for teams, per @diannaESPN
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 19, 2020
Would Clowney Take A Short-Term Deal with Indy?
The only realistic way that Clowney ends up in Indy is one a short-term deal that is fairly cheaper than his rumored $20 million per season price tag.
The Colts are in need of a defensive end with Justin Houston, Ben Banogu, and Kemoko Turay being their best options at right and left end right now.
Bringing in Clowney would obviously be a huge upgrade, but he’s likely going to wait and see if teams will offer him long-term deals.
However, the Colts could be a fit if Clowney is willing to sign for a season or two for less than $20 million per season.
The Colts have a competitive team and having a combination of Buckner and Clowney would mean big trouble for opposing offensive lines.
Does Clowney Deserve a Long-Term Extension?
It sounds like Clowney is asking for around $20 million per season in free agency, but is that a fair price for the 27-year-old?
Clowney has eight fumbles forced, 32 sacks, 236 combined tackles, and 80 quarterback hits over his first six years in the NFL.
He has proven to be one of the better defensive ends in the league, but unfortunately, the Colts don’t appear to have the funds to sign him long-term.
He is well-deserving of a long-term deal, but organizations could be a bit hesitant after Clowney only recorded three sacks during 13 games in 2019.
It very well could’ve been just a down year for Clowney, but it appears he doesn’t have as big of a market as he expected going into free agency.
The Colts Should Highly Consider Signing Jadeveon Clowney on a Short-Term Deal https://t.co/YRe3QA0Syn pic.twitter.com/rLkJ2fHPjX
— Stampede Blue (@StampedeBlue) March 19, 2020
Will Clowney End Up in Indy?
It appears the Colts are still in the running for Clowney, but Indy has likely already made their biggest moves of free agency.
General manager Chris Ballard has made two huge moves with Rivers and Buckner, so he’ll likely sit tight until the NFL Draft.
The Colts do have other areas of concern, but spending all the cap space on three players is never a good idea.
Indy does have a chance to get Clowney if he lowers his price, but that doesn’t seem likely.
In theory, Clowney is a fit for the Colts, but it’s unlikely the Colts are going to give him $20 million per season when they still have other positions to take care of this summer.
NEXT: 3 Reasons To Believe And Not Believe In Philip Rivers