Chris Clemons (DE) - Pro Football Rumors

Seahawks’ Chris Clemons To Retire

July 28th, 2016 at 8:30pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons has informed the team he plans to retire, reports Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (Twitter link).

Clemons, 34, saw action with five different teams during his 12-year NFL career, but his most productive seasons came in Seattle. After going undrafted out of Georgia in 2003 and then combining for 20 sacks in stints with the Redskins, Raiders and Eagles over the first five years of his career, Clemons joined the Seahawks in 2010 and went on to collect 38 sacks in a four-season span. Clemons totaled at least 11 sacks in each individual season from 2010-12, also forcing seven fumbles during that period.

The Seahawks, with whom Clemons missed only two of a possible 64 regular-season games, released him at the conclusion of their Super Bowl-winning 2013-14 campaign. He subsequently became a member of the Jaguars, with whom he tallied 11 sacks and five forced fumbles in all 32 regular-season games from 2014-15. Most of Clemons’ production (eight sacks, four forced fumbles) in Jacksonville came in 2014. His play fell off so significantly last season that Pro Football Focus ranked him dead last among 110 qualifying edge defenders.

Clemons’ struggles in 2015 caused the Jaguars to release him in March. He then rejoined the Seahawks on a one-year, $1.5MM contract in April, but Clemons has decided nearly four months later to walk away from the sport. In 163 career regular-season games (85 starts), Clemons amassed 276 tackles, 69 sacks and 18 forced fumbles. PFR wishes him the best in his retirement.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

NFC Rumors: Clemons, 49ers, Bears, Lawson

April 10th, 2016 at 7:19pm CST by Sam Robinson

Chris Clemons‘ one-year deal worth $1.5MM indicates he’ll have to compete for a spot on the Seahawks‘ roster despite his ties with the organization, Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com reports.

Only Clemons’ $150K signing bonus is guaranteed, with the returning defensive end’s status possibly tied to what the team does in the draft later this month. Kapedia identifies the 34-year-old Clemons as a candidate to back up Cliff Avril at the hybrid LEO defensive end spot, with Frank Clark expected to step into Bruce Irvin‘s right-side role.

Clemons did not fare as well with the Jaguars as he did under Gus Bradley and Dan Quinn in Seattle, registering just three sacks in seven starts in 2015. However, the well-traveled veteran had shown consistency prior to last year. Playing in 16 regular-season games in eight of the past nine seasons, Clemons collected eight sacks in 2014 after posting double-digit numbers in that category from 2011-13 in Seattle.

The one-year pact includes $12,500K in active-roster bonuses, along with a $150K workout bonus, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports (on Twitter).

Here’s some more from the NFC on Sunday night.

San Francisco has been labeled as one of the quarterback landing spots at No. 7, but the 49ers will look to take the best player available, regardless of Colin Kaepernick‘s status, Jordan Raanan of NJ.com hears. Raanan goes as far as to remove the 49ers from the first-round quarterback derby. The 49ers, though, have already met with Carson Wentz and Jared Goff, and observed Paxton Lynch‘s pro day. The team has also inquired about the No. 1 overall pick, inducing obvious queries about their interest in this year’s quarterback crop.
Kyle Long will factor into the Bears‘ tackle competition despite having been better at guard, John Mullin of CSNChicago.com reports. He could wind up outside again after moving from guard to right tackle in 2015, and that positional versatility will serve him well upon trying to reach a long-term deal with the Bears, Mullin writes. Meanwhile, Manny Ramirez and Ted Larsen are the favorites going into the draft to open up at the guard spots, with their deals likely contingent on receiving strong opportunities to claim starting jobs, Mullin offers. Of course, both players have extensive experience at center, expanding the likelihood of both winding up in Chicago’s starting five.
Clemson’s Shaq Lawson is visiting the Bears, the prospect posted on his Twitter account. Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com tweets the visit will occur Monday. Prior to the defensive end’s trip to Chicago, however, he’ll stop in Detroit to meet with Lions personnel, Rand Getlin of NFL.com tweets. Lawson, who registered 12.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss as a junior in 2015 despite playing with knee and shoulder injuries, visited with the Cowboys and Panthers last week.
Wide receiver Robby Anderson will visit the Packers, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel tweets. The Temple target who ran a 4.3-second 40-yard dash at the Owls’ pro day visited the Browns, Dolphins and Eagles recently.

Seahawks Sign Chris Clemons

April 1st, 2016 at 3:45pm CST by Zachary Links

The Seahawks announced that they have signed defensive end Chris Clemons. The deal is a homecoming of sorts for the 34-year-old who spent 2010-2013 with Seattle.

Clemons will turn 35 in October and wasn’t productive in 2015, but overall he has a history of playing at a high level. His three sacks were his lowest total since he became a starter in 2010, and a major step down from the eight he recorded in his first year in Jacksonville. Pro Football Focus ranked Clemons dead last among 110 qualified edge defenders. In early March, the Jaguars parted ways with Clemons to clear his entire $4MM cap number for 2016 from their books. Jacksonville wasn’t on the hook for any dead money, so the move was something of a no-brainer for them.

Clemons recorded at least 11 sacks in his first three seasons with the Seahawks, but recovery from a torn ACL slowed him down in 2013, resulting in just 4.5 sacks and a -7.7 grade from Pro Football Focus, which placed him 42nd among 52 qualified 4-3 defensive ends.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Free Agent Rumors: Raji, Packers, Pats

March 14th, 2016 at 5:30pm CST by Zachary Links

The latest free agent rumors:

Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel (on Twitter) heard that Packers lineman B.J. Raji had “five legit offers,” though as Silverstein notes, “legit” is in the eye of the beholder. Raji, he hears, had to weigh those offers versus wanting to spend time with his family plus his own health concerns.
Free agent receiver Nate Washington met with the Patriots on Monday, according to FOX 26’s Mark Berman (via Twitter). Washington was ranked as Pro Football Rumors’ No. 13 free agent wide receiver in early March.
Browns free agent linebacker Craig Robertson is on his way to visit the Saints, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Robertson just got done visiting with Seattle. As Schefter notes, the Browns have already lost five unrestricted free agents this month and they could be on their way to losing free agent No. 6 if Robertson signs elsewhere.
Cornerback Antwon Blake will visit the Patriots on Tuesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com tweets. Blake visited the Titans today and also has a visit scheduled with the Lions on Wednesday.
The Giants are looking for cornerbacks, particularly corners that can play in the slot, Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger tweets. He adds that Patrick Robinson and Jerraud Powers are two players to keep an eye on. The Eagles, Dolphins, and Bears have also been connected to Robinson.
Free agent defensive end Chris Clemons completed his visit with the Dolphins, as Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets.

AFC Notes: Sanchez, Ferguson, Dolphins, Hoyer

March 12th, 2016 at 10:42am CST by Ben Levine

Quarterback Mark Sanchez was traded to the Broncos yesterday, but if the veteran had had his way, he would have ended up in Denver years before.

According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (on Twitter), Sanchez wanted to play for the Broncos following his release from the Jets in 2014. The play-caller wanted to learn from future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, but the presence of Brock Osweiler essentially prevented Sanchez from joining the organization. Instead, he landed with the Eagles on a one-year, $2.25MM deal.

Let’s check out some more notes from around the AFC…

The Jets are set to meet with offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum, and considering D’Brickashaw Ferguson‘s huge cap hit, ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini wonders whether the veteran lineman could be a cap casualty. Ferguson is set to count for $14.1MM against the cap, and his declining performance in 2015 could make him expendable.
With Olivier Vernon off to the Giants, the Dolphins continue to look for ways to improve their defensive line depth. Albert Breer of the NFL Network tweets that the team is looking to secure a meeting with veteran defensive end Chris Clemons.
After the Texans signed Osweiler to a pricey deal, it seemed inevitable that incumbent quarterback Brian Hoyer would be traded. However, general manager Rick Smith was adamant that the 30-year-old still has a role on the team. “I think it’s pretty apparent you need a couple quarterbacks in this league, okay,” Smith told Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “And so Brian obviously played a lot of football for us, understands our system, our scheme and our team and is a valuable member of our team.”

FA Visits: Seahawks, Lions, Chiefs, Pats, Titans

March 11th, 2016 at 11:46am CST by Luke Adams

After being released recently by the Jaguars, veteran edge defender Chris Clemons is expected to pay a visit to the Seahawks soon, and could sign with the team during that visit, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter). In fact, Condotta suspects that Clemons will sign.

If it happens, it would be a reunion for the two sides, as Clemons enjoyed the best years of his NFL career in Seattle. Although he was slowed down by injuries during his final year with the team in 2013, he recorded at least 11 sacks as a 16-game starter in each season from 2010 to 2012. At age 34, Clemons is unlikely to reach those totals again, but he could be a solid situational pass rusher if he rejoins the Seahawks.

Here’s more on potential free agent visits:

While the Patriots would like to bring back defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, the veteran free agent is exploring his options, and those options include a pair of NFC North teams. In addition to making a previously-reported visit to the Bears, Hicks is planning to visit the Lions over the weekend, tweets Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
Defensive tackle Al Woods is visiting the Seahawks, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Seattle is bringing in both Woods and – as previously reported – Cam Thomas, as the team explore possible replacements for Brandon Mebane.
The Chiefs may still get a chance to meet with wide receiver Rod Streater, tweets Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. Streater, who met with the Patriots on Thursday, is planning to head to Kansas City after visiting the Jets.
Free agent cornerback Antwon Blake is scheduled to visit the Patriots and Titans this weekend, per Ralph N. Paulk of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (via Twitter). Blake’s agent is also negotiating with four other teams, says Paulk. The 25-year-old has spent the last three seasons with the Steelers.

Jaguars Release Chris Clemons

March 3rd, 2016 at 3:20pm CST by Luke Adams

After releasing guard Zane Beadles earlier this afternoon, the Jaguars have also confirmed the release of a veteran player on the other side of the ball. According to a team release, Jacksonville has parted ways with defensive end Chris Clemons.

[RELATED: Jaguars release Zane Beadles]

Clemons will turn 35 in October and wasn’t productive in 2015, making him a logical candidate to be released this offseason. His three sacks were his lowest total since he became a starter in 2010, and a major step down from the eight he recorded in his first year in Jacksonville. Pro Football Focus ranked Clemons dead last among 110 qualified edge defenders.

Like Beadles, Clemons had no dead money left on his contract, so the Jaguars will clear his entire $4MM cap number for 2016 from their books. Between the two players, Jacksonville creates another $9.5MM in cap savings, adding to the team’s league-high cap room. The Jags now have a staggering $85MM or so in projected cap space, with the new league year around the corner.

While the Jaguars have maintained that they don’t expected to go wild in free agency, the team certainly has the flexibility to be serious contenders for virtually any player on the market. Bruce Irvin, Alex Mack, and Olivier Vernon are a few of the top-tier free agents who would be nice fits in Jacksonville.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Jaguars Rumors: Fowler, M. Lewis, Gerhart

February 25th, 2016 at 3:21pm CST by Luke Adams

Speaking today to reporters, including Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com (Twitter link), Jaguars general manager David Caldwell said he doesn’t expect much to come of the NFL’s investigation into the Dante Fowler Jr. video published by TMZ earlier this week. The league confirmed that it is looking into the video, noting that it contained “disturbing images,” but it sounds like the Jags GM doesn’t expect Fowler to be disciplined as a result.

Here are a few more items of interest from Caldwell’s press conference in Indianapolis today:

Caldwell hopes to have a deal done with tight end Marcedes Lewis before the new league year begins on March 9th, per DiRocco (via Twitter). While Lewis has seen his role as a pass catcher reduced in recent years, the Jaguars still need a blocking tight end to complement Julius Thomas, so if Lewis is willing to remain in that role, it makes sense that the two sides should be able to work something out.
There’s a good chance that running back Toby Gerhart will be back with the Jaguars in 2016, according to Caldwell (Twitter link via DiRocco). Gerhart has underwhelmed during his time in Jacksonville so far, but the GM thinks there will be a role for him going forward, and the team certainly has the cap space to afford him.
The Jaguars’ staff is currently evaluating whether or not defensive end Chris Clemons will remain on the team going forward, per DiRocco. According to Caldwell, the plan is to reach out to the veteran defender’s representatives soon. I identified Clemons and Gerhart as possible release candidates when I previewed the Jaguars’ offseason earlier this month.

AFC South Notes: Colts, Hunter, Clemons

July 31st, 2015 at 5:40pm CST by Luke Adams

In his look at the Colts‘ top five priorities for training camp, Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star suggests the team needs to solidify its offensive line and attempt to work out some contract extensions within the next few weeks. Although the Colts have been mentioned as a potential suitor for Evan Mathis, they have no plans to sign him, preferring instead to work on developing their long-term pieces on the line, says Holder. He also notes that extension discussions between T.Y. Hilton and the Colts have re-opened, which could be a promising soon as the wide receiver enters a contract year.

Here’s more on the Colts and their division rivals:

Hilton, left tackle Anthony Castonzo, and a pair of tight ends top the list of the Colts‘ most important expiring contracts, writes Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star. Castonzo is another player that Indianapolis would like to lock up before the season, if possible.
Speaking to the media today, Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter said he has yet to hear from the NFL following his arrest on a felonious assault charge, writes Terry McCormick of 247Sports.com. “Right now, it’s in the hands of my attorneys and I’m just focused on football,” Hunter said of his legal situation.
Jaguars pass rusher Chris Clemons, who missed the team’s OTAs this spring, reported to training camp today, tweets John Oehser of Jaguars.com. Clemons was placed on the non-football injury list and won’t practice right away.

AFC Notes: Clemons, Ravens, Mathis

June 15th, 2015 at 9:39pm CST by Zachary Links

As expected, veteran pass rusher Chris Clemons reported to the Jaguars today, tweets Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. Clemons hadn’t been present for Jacksonville’s voluntary OTAs this year, but would have forfeited his workout bonus if he hadn’t shown up this week. More from the AFC..

The Ravens could use another pass rusher and wouldn’t hesitate to add another defensive back, but the team doesn’t have any significant holes right now, so any veteran signings still to come would be more of a luxury than a necessity, writes Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun.
Bill Williamson of ESPN.com wonders if the Raiders should pursue guard Evan Mathis. The Raiders do not have a set starter at right guard, they have nearly $17MM in cap room, and new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave was on the Eagles’ staff last year. However, the Raiders are happy with their trio of right guards and Mathis’ age (33) could be a deterrent for them, in Williamson’s view. However, one offensive lineman to keep an eye for the Raiders could be tackle Sam Baker, who was cut by the Falcons on Monday.
Landry Jones‘ future with the Steelers could hinge on how he performs in the preseason, Ralph N. Paulk of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writes. The third-year quarterback has had a difficult time adjusting since he was taken in the fourth round out of Oklahoma. Quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner speculated that his spread offense background has been a hindrance to his development so far.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.