Louie DiBiaseTwitter: @DiBiaseLOE
Speculation that the Houston Texans could trade defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has swirled around NFL circles for the entirety of the offseason. After receiving the franchise tag, the two sides have not been able to come close on a potential extension thus starting the trade rumors.
After the Buffalo Bills re-hired former Texans general manager Brian Gaine as a senior personnel advisor, there is some belief that Buffalo could be the destination for the star pass rusher if Houston elects to move on.
There's a real chance that Cal McNair was talking about about, among other NFL teams, the Bills.He makes this comment last night. Less than 24 hours later, the Bills announce they've re-hired Brian Gaine.Don't be surprised if Jadeveon Clowney ends up getting dealt to Buffalo. https://t.co/5KhXKBsz1v
— Matt Hammond (@MattHammondShow) July 23, 2019Pairing Clowney up with Ed Oliver and Jerry Hughes up front could cement Buffalo's defense as one of the best units in the league. It would likely come at a cost, however.
How much could it take to land Clowney? How much is too much?
Fans took to Twitter for Tuesday's late night discussion to give their two-cents:
Top picks and a player:
Some fans were willing to give up a high draft pick and players in order to land Clowney. The most popular proposal was defensive end Shaq Lawson and a first or second round pick for the former top pick.
first rd. pick and Lawson
— Michael McCully (@HanBri1) July 24, 2019A first is fine - clowney is better than anyone we would draft
— Derek Hoover (@DHoovs) July 24, 2019One fan would even be willing to send Dion Dawkins packing for Clowney.
Dion Dawkins and a second rd pick
— Jonny Crayy (@JonnyCrayy) July 24, 2019Day 2 picks or bust:
With Clowney's pending free agency, a lot of contributors to the discussion were not willing to part ways with a first round pick. With a big contract looming, trading a second and/or third round pick was the preference for many.
second and third round pick
— MSgt Andre James (Top Breeze) (@SSgtJayo) July 24, 2019Shaq and a 2... only because we still have to pay him
— Jason Perna (@PernaJason) July 24, 2019Shady and a third
— Mike F (@NYCJayhawk) July 24, 2019Funny guy:
The comedians were out in full form.
It'd be tough, but I'd consider Tyler Kroft if they would throw in a conditional 5th
— Jacky2Soups (@Jacky2Soups) July 24, 2019Risto and sobokta?
— Nick Sallee (@SpilFiasco) July 24, 2019 — Elijah Simon (@ElijahS65006404) July 24, 2019The Ristolainen trade talks have now infiltrated the football universe.
Author's choice:
If the Texans want a first round pick, Buffalo should do it. For one, Clowney is just 26-years-old. A big pay day would be in store, but the Bills are projected to have nearly $60 million in salary cap space next year. No reason not to spend money on top-tier talent when you have it.
This is what teams do when their quarterback is on a rookie contract - surround them with stars on both sides of the ball. Clowney fits the Bills window of contention.
Without giving up a player like Dawkins as part of the package, any pick less than a first won't get the job done. Frank Clark, a 26-year-old defensive end with similar production to Clowney, was traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Kansas City Chiefs for a first round pick. That is what will be needed if the Bills wanna get the job done.
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