The Seattle Seahawks have surfaced as a possible trade partner for Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney if the Texans continue to struggle early in the season.
Seattle has shown a willingness to make midseason deals in the past, and the team sits in a competitive division race while trying to defend its Super Bowl title. Adding help on the defensive line could strengthen that effort before the trade deadline.
The Seahawks’ defense remains the strength of the roster, even after allowing 33 points in a Week 3 loss to the Washington Commanders. That result has not yet looked like the start of a larger problem.
Still, the pass rush has produced only seven sacks through three games, along with 108 tackles for loss, according to StatMuse. Extra pressure up front would give coordinator Mike Macdonald more options.
Seahawks on SI writer Brendon Nelson named Clowney as one veteran who could be available if Houston drops to 0-4 after Week 4. A losing start would force the Texans to evaluate older players and listen to offers.
“Clowney almost certainly signed with Houston believing that they’d be his potential ticket to an elusive super bowl trip, but right now they look like they’re the furthest thing from such an accomplishment,” Nelson wrote.
“The West Coast may not be his speed, but maybe he’d tolerate it for a few months to try to win it all.”
A move to Seattle would be Clowney’s second stop with the franchise. He played 13 games for the Seahawks in 2019 and finished with 21 solo tackles, 10 assists, three sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception, per StatMuse.
Nelson also argued that Clowney’s skill set matches what Macdonald wants from his edge players. Depth on the rush remains useful for a team that leaned on its defense during last season’s title run.
“The price is right, both in terms of his trade value and his $5.5 million contract,” Nelson wrote. “We know he’s an excellent fit in Mike Macdonald’s scheme. And I fully believe he’s still got plenty of game left. If the Texans aren’t putting up Danielle Hunter, then surely they’ll try to grab something for Clowney. Hammer the phone for this one, and the issue is resolved.”
Clowney’s return to Houston has been limited so far. The Texans are 0-3, and he has played just 20 snaps.
Pro Football Focus has graded him at 61.3 overall on defense. In that small sample he has recorded two total pressures, one sack, zero hurries, one quarterback hit and one stop.
Seattle next hosts the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. The Chargers are also 0-3, and the game offers the Seahawks a chance to steady themselves after the Commanders loss.
Justin Herbert will test the Seattle front. The Seahawks sacked Marcus Mariota twice in Week 3, yet Mariota still threw three touchdown passes and posted a 110.0 passer rating.
Tightening coverage and generating more consistent pressure will matter if Seattle wants to avoid another uneven defensive outing. Clowney’s experience could help in short-yardage and obvious passing situations.
The trade deadline is still weeks away, so any deal would depend on Houston’s record and Seattle’s willingness to part with draft capital. Clowney’s modest cap number keeps the cost relatively low compared with younger edge rushers.
Both clubs have history with the former No. 1 overall pick. Houston drafted him in 2014, and Seattle acquired him via trade in 2019 before he moved on after one season.
For now the idea remains speculation tied to early-season results. A win by the Texans in Week 4 would likely cool any immediate talk, while another loss could open the door for calls.
