NFL Predictions 2020: Cam Newton, Jadeveon Clowney, Everson Griffen Destinations

Nearly three months after the start of NFL free agency, several marquee veterans remain available. Cam Newton’s free agency is still a mystery, and the quarterback could remain unsigned until a starting job opens up. Jadeveon Clowney reportedly continues to decline offers as he looks to become one of the league’s highest-paid defensive ends. Everson Griffen is the best player that’s getting the least amount of attention, coming off his fourth Pro Bowl selection in five years.

Where will those players end up for the 2020 season? Here’s a prediction for Newton, Clowney and Griffen?

Cam Newton: Pittsburgh Steelers

Newton doesn’t appear ready to accept being a backup next season, which both Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston have done. He might be waiting to get a call from a team that suffers an injury at the starting quarterback position. What team has no reliable backup and a starter that’s injury-prone? The Pittsburgh Steelers fit the mold.

Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges combined for some of the worst quarterback play in the NFL last season. Ben Roethlisberger is 38 years old and coming off season-ending surgery. Roethlisberger has missed at least two games in three of the last five seasons.

Jadeveon Clowney: Cleveland Browns

Clowney reportedly began the offseason looking to make at least $20 million a season but has since dropped his asking price to somewhere between $17 million and $18 million per year. That salary still might be too high for potential suitors when it comes to a long-term contract. The veteran’s best option might be to accept a one-year deal and head back out on the market in 2021.

Clowney has turned down offers from the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns. Considering Cleveland has the most cap space available, per Spotrac, and is reportedly undeterred by Clowney’s rejection, the Browns could be where the former No.1 pick lands.

Everson Griffen: Philadelphia Eagles

Griffen won’t cost a team as much as Clowney, but he could be even more productive in 2020. The only time he didn’t record at least eight sacks over the last six seasons was 2018 when he missed five games. Griffen will turn 33 years old during the season, so he might be willing to accept a short-term deal with a contender.

The Philadelphia Eagles have been linked to Clowney, though the team reportedly isn’t ready to spend big on a defensive end. Griffen could fit Philadelphia’s budget and help improve the front-seven, which has been a key part of the Eagles’ success since their 2018 Super Bowl run.