In baseball, you need three strikes for an out. As it relates to the Miami Dolphins and Jadeveon Clowney, two should suffice just fine. Back in August, the Dolphins hotly contested Clowney, who was then a member of the Houston Texans and under the franchise tag. Things got so serious in talks between the teams that the Dolphins actually met with Clowney to help pitch him for their vision — all Clowney needed to do with sign his franchise tag and he would be bound for South Florida.
But Clowney didn’t sign. And, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Clowney once again spurned the Miami Dolphins — this time ahead of the 2020 free agency window.
According to Wilson, the Dolphins discussed a contract with Clowney that would have paid him $17 million annually per season. That offer was reportedly rebuked by Clowney’s camp, prompting the Dolphins to move ahead with their “Plan B” at the position, Buffalo’s Shaq Lawson.
Dolphins discussed $17 million annual average deal at one point in process with Seahawks free agent Jadeveon Clowney, per sources. Didn't accept, so Dolphins moved on with Shaq Lawson. Clowney aiming for $20 million average, but could wind up signing for less on shorter deal
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 23, 2020
Fast forward to today and Clowney remains on the open market; watching as team spending rapidly dwindles the field for teams that can pay Clowney the $20 million per season he was hoping for. And, at this rate, Clowney will be lucky to see the $17 million he was reportedly offered by the Dolphins.
Credit where credit is due for the Dolphins in that this team went back and revisited the idea of adding Clowney to the defense. They clearly have a vision and role for him — one that would probably make him valued to the dollars Miami was willing to throw his way. But if Clowney is that insistent on getting paid a certain amount, the Dolphins are wise for sticking to their guns with price and moving on to a different player — one who actually wants to be in Miami.
Is Lawson a step down from Clowney has a physical talent? Yes. But Lawson wants to be a Miami Dolphin, he’ll shine against the run and he’s a full $7 million per season cheaper than Clowney.
With the Dolphins having already moved on, it’s safe to say it only took two strikes for Clowney to strike out with Miami. We’d be willing to bet they won’t give him a third crack. The first time was about the team’s winning forecast. The second time was about money. The writing is on the wall — and the Dolphins have acted quickly to read between the lines and forge ahead without the former #1 overall pick.