NFL Rumors: Niners Interest In Clowney Merely Exploratory

KEY POINTS

Jadeveon Clowney still waiting for NFL team pickup
San Francisco 49ers only inquiring about the status of Clowney
Clowney may eventually be signed but on a short-term deal

Jadeveon Clowney remains an NFL free agent although there are teams considering the 27-year-old defensive end. The San Francisco 49ers seemed to be interested in the three-time Pro Bowler but pundits feel this will not progress. The gauged interest is deemed nothing but exploratory, meaning the chances of seeing Clowney join the Niners is not that high.

Murmurs of Clowney possibly joining the 49ers came out on social media through a certain "ThePick6com." When that surfaced, Sports Illustrated reached out to some of its sources to confirm if there was any truth to this suggestion. An unnamed source confirmed that there was interest but that is just about it. There were no formal offers made to Clowney.

Considering the 49ers are focusing on a George Kittle extension, it may make no sense, for now, to see San Francisco go after Clowney. Aside from that, this move was seen as a reason why the Niners did not pursue a Jamal Adams trade.

Clowney last played for the Seattle Seahawks in 2019. He had three sacks and four fumbles to go with a defensive touchdown. Those three sacks were the lowest in his career. He would try free agency thereafter but his steep asking price turned NFL teams away.

Aside from the 49ers, another team that was linked to Clowney was the New York Jets. The idea cropped up after former Seattle teammate Bradley McDougald was traded to the Jets. Unfortunately, the Jets made it clear they were not interested in the 27-year-old DE, ESPN reported.

Hence, Clowney will just have to wait if some NFL team will take a chance on him. Aside from his stiff asking price, NFL teams are wary of his health. He is coming off a core muscle injury and his progress from it remains suspect, NBC Sports reported.

Critics feel that some NFL teams may eventually take a chance on Clowney, possibly on a short-term deal. Signing with the 49ers would have been interesting, especially if one considers the pass rush game featuring Clowney with Nick Bosa, Dee Ford and Arik Armstead. Though anything can happen, the right word to term the Niners' interest in Clowney is "exploratory."