Jadeveon Clowney Eyed by Ravens, 49ers as Free Agent Target

The veteran pass rusher could be an ideal fit for either team's defensive needs.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:34pm by Ben Kaplan

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Free agent pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney is drawing interest from the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers as they look to bolster their defensive fronts ahead of the 2026 NFL season. The 33-year-old Clowney is coming off a productive year with the Dallas Cowboys and could provide a veteran presence to either team's pass rush.

Why it matters

The 49ers and Ravens both struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season, and adding an experienced edge rusher like Clowney could help shore up those weaknesses. His potential signing would be a key move for either team as they aim to improve their defenses and make a playoff push.

The details

Clowney recorded a 79.2 overall PFF defensive grade in 2025, ranking 18th among qualified edge defenders. His pass-rush grade of 80.6 placed him 15th, while his run-defense grade of 70.6 ranked 26th at the position. He generated 40 total pressures, including nine sacks, 29 hurries, and two hits. The 49ers, in particular, are seen as a top landing spot for Clowney, as they ranked last in the NFL in team sacks in 2025 and could use his veteran presence to complement their young pass-rushing duo of Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams as they return from injury.

  • Clowney spent the 2025 season with the Dallas Cowboys.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Jadeveon Clowney

A 33-year-old veteran pass rusher who is currently a free agent after spending the 2025 season with the Dallas Cowboys.

Nick Bosa

The 49ers' star edge rusher who was the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year but missed the 2025 season due to a torn ACL.

Mykel Williams

The 49ers' 2025 11th overall pick at edge rusher, who missed the 2025 season due to a torn ACL and torn meniscus.

Osa Odighizuwa

A defensive tackle who played alongside Clowney with the Cowboys in 2025 and has now joined the 49ers.

Lamar Jackson

The Ravens' star quarterback who has publicly advocated for Clowney's return to Baltimore.

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What they’re saying

“Clowney, 33, is still a dangerous pass-rushing weapon and should've had more teams lining up for his services earlier in free agency. But here we are and he could still land anywhere.”

— Austen Bundy, FanSided Writer

“The San Francisco 49ers ranked last in the NFL in team sacks in 2025, and their 1.18 sacks per game now stands as the lowest by a team that made the postseason. Adding a healthy, proven pass rush threat along the edge in Clowney would relieve some of the urgency on those two to rush back from their injuries.”

— Garrett Podell, CBS Sports Writer

What’s next

The 49ers and Ravens will likely monitor Clowney's free agent market after the 2026 NFL Draft, as teams that don't address their pass rush needs during the draft may turn to veteran options like Clowney to bolster their defensive fronts.

The takeaway

Clowney's combination of veteran experience and still-productive pass-rushing ability make him an intriguing target for both the 49ers and Ravens this offseason. His potential signing could be a key move to help either team improve their defensive front and make a playoff push in 2026.