Everyone seems to make their annual year-in-review lists. Not me. Time to look into the ol' crystal ball. Time to predict the future.
As we celebrate a new year in sports, I give you the 20 Seattle sports figures I predict we'll talking about most often in 2020...
20 In '20: #8 Jadeveon Clowney
Clowney could easily be higher on this list. I suppose it all depends upon whether he remains a Seahawk. Despite recording only three sacks for the Hawks this fall, Clowney actually grew his status as a star in the league. Some analysts claim he’ll make more money than any non-QB free agent this spring. But will it be the Seahawks who are signing his checks?
A year ago, the Hawks faced a similar dilemma. The market determined that Frank Clark was worth far more than the Seahawks were willing to pay. The major difference between Clark’s and Clowney’s situations is that Clark was under club control. In John Schneider’s back pocket he held a card—the trade card—and ended up playing it.
Schneider won’t be afforded the same leverage with Clowney. Jadeveon will be an unrestricted free agent. He says he loves Seattle, loves the Hawks and that he’ll make playing for a winner his priority this offseason, but how much of a hometown discount are we talking here?
Clowney could sign for more than $20 million per year. Is that a price tag Pete and John are willing to satisfy? If it is, then we’ll not just be talking about Clowney the free agent this spring, we’ll also be talking about Clowney the Seahawk this fall.