Jadeveon Clowney, DE – Houston Texans
Although this trade is most assuredly not going to happen, (although you never say never in the NFL), it is one the Lions should at least consider. The connections are clear between former Patriots Quinn, Patricia, and Texans head coach Bill O’Brien.
Clowney, the number one overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, is famously on the trading block in Houston. Although the Miami Dolphins seem to be his likely landing spot, the Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, and others are also rumored to be in the mix.
There isn’t a team that Clowney wouldn’t fit on, and Detroit is no exception. One area of concern the Lions have going into the regular season is pass rush. Detroit moved on from longtime premier pass rusher Ezekiel Ansah in the offseason and spent a king’s ransom to sign free agent Trey Flowers.
Still, it’s unclear if the Lions will be able to generate enough pressure up front this season, even with the presence of players like Mike Daniels, Damon Harrison, Flowers, Da’Shawn Hand and the team’s 2018 sack leader, Romeo Okwara.
Jadeveon Clowney has racked up 18.5 sacks over the past two years, and at 26-years of age is just now entering his prime. But Clowney’s projected $100 million-plus contract demands will likely force many teams, including the Detroit Lions, to steer clear.