NFL Rumors: Jadeveon Clowney, Cam Newton, Jameis Winston Among Best Free Agents Seeking Contracts

It’s been more than a week since 2020 NFL free agency began, and there are still some very good players looking for contracts. Three former No.1 overall picks are unsigned, as are a couple of former First-Team All-Pro selections.

Here are the five best free agents, along with the latest rumors regarding where they might be headed.

Jadeveon Clowney

Clowney started the offseason as one of the best defensive players available in free agency, and that hasn’t changed. The 27-year-old likely wants to become one of the NFL’s highest-paid defensive ends, but the interest doesn’t appear to be there after he recorded just three sacks in 2019. Clowney might end up returning to the Seattle Seahawks, who acquired him in a trade with the Houston Texans just prior to the start of last season.

Jameis Winston

Winston might very well go from leading the NFL in passing yards and ranking second in touchdowns to becoming a backup quarterback. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Tom Brady over Winston. The Indianapolis Colts landed Philip Rivers, while the Chicago Bears traded for Nick Foles. The Los Angeles Chargers reportedly aren’t interested in Winston. If he doesn’t go to the New England Patriots at a reduced price, the quarterback might be forced to sit behind a veteran in 2020.

Cam Newton

Newton finds himself in a similar situation as Winston after being released by the Carolina Panthers Tuesday. Carolina was unable to find a trade partner for their long-time starter as he recovers from another season-ending surgery. Maybe the Chargers would make sense for Newton, though the team is reportedly prepared to start the season with Tyrod Taylor under center.

Xavier Rhodes

No player that’s currently a free agent has accomplished more in the last few years than Rhodes. The cornerback was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2016, 2017 and 2019 with the Minnesota Vikings. He has eight interceptions and 34 passes defensed in a four-year span, leading one of the NFL’s top defenses.

Jason Peters

The left tackle is a free agent after spending 11 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s been selected to nine Pro Bowls, but the 38-year-old has missed 12 games over the last three seasons. The Washington Redskins have spoken with Peters, according to ESPN’s John Keim. Peters could make sense as a replacement for Trent Williams, whom the team is attempting to trade.