Garnet and Cocky
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South Carolina Football – Gamecocks in NFL, Deals and Free Agency (Pt. I)

By Jacob Elsey

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Cornerback Johnathan Joseph #24 of the Houston Texans breaks up a pass against wide receiver Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Cornerback Johnathan Joseph #24 of the Houston Texans breaks up a pass against wide receiver Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Seattle Seahawks in action during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 11, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 27-24. (Photo by Rob Leiter/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Seattle Seahawks in action during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 11, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 27-24. (Photo by Rob Leiter/Getty Images) /

JADEVEON CLOWNEY (DL)

Clowney is arguably the top free agent left on the board, and the former #1 overall pick wants to be paid like it.  Rumors have been swirling, saying that the defensive end is requesting a deal that pays around $20 million annually.

ESPN’s Dianna Russini reports that teams aren’t willing to match that number, at least not at the moment.

Prior to the start of the 2019 season, the Seahawks acquired Clowney from the Texans in a trade that sent Jacob Martin, Barkevious Mingo and a 2020 third-round pick to Houston.  In his first year in Seattle, Clowney saw action in 13 games, recording 31 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and an interception.

It is worth noting that last season’s totals for tackles and sacks were the 27-year-old’s lowest since his rookie year.  Even so, he was invited to the Pro Bowl for the 4th straight season.

It should be an interesting offseason for Clowney as he decides whether or not he wants to stay in Seattle.  We’ll also see if he agrees to come down from his current asking price or if he stands pat and holds out for the right opportunity.

The nation’s top recruit coming out of Rock Hill’s South Pointe High School, Clowney signed with the Gamecocks and played from 2011-2013.  He twice garnered first-team All-America honors, and was also the SEC’s Freshman of the Year in his first season on campus.  Clowney ended his career at USC with 129 tackles, 47 TFL, and 24 sacks.

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