There are plenty of teams in the NFL who could use a quality defensive end, however during free agency players get routinely overpaid which means disciplined teams will stay away from the big-name free agents unless they have a way to sign them. The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants have been linked to Adrian Clayborn for some time now, as it appears both clubs are waiting to see if the price goes down.
The Cowboys could use Clayborn more efficiently as they must find a replacement for Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory, since the latter will serve a four-game suspension. The Giants will likely let Jason Pierre-Paul walk in free agency and replace him with depth pieces and a first round talent. Clayborn could become a quality depth player with the G-men.
At 27 years old Clayborn is a former first round pick from 2011 who was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He remained with the Bucs until 2014. He would miss all of 2014 with a torn biceps injury which initially caused teams to shy away from him. In 2105 he signed with the Atlanta Falcons as they looked to boost their pass rush.
Unfortunately the Falcons only gave him four starts, and he could only record 15 combined tackles and 3 sacks. Clayborn is known for causing interior pressure and being very disruptive when it comes to run stopping. Throughout his career Clayborn has compiled 124 combined tackles, 16 sacks and 5 forced fumbles.
If he could stay on the field teams could get a better sense of what he could do than what he cannot. At 27 years old Clayborn should still have some time to develop and reach his full potential as he passes his athletic peak. This is why it is important he ends up with the right team, any team that just offers him cash and not an opportunity to contribute or play would be the worst possible situation for his career.
Teams that could use a quality defensive end include the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers. Clayborn should not cost that much to begin with, however if his value rises due to such a big need at the defensive end position then he could end up being overpaid.
