Having not yet added an impact pass-rusher this offseason, Jets GM Joe Douglas was asked Wednesday about the team's level of interest in free agent Jadeveon Clowney, whose market has not yet fully developed.
And Douglas confirmed that he has spoken with Clowney's agents.
"I would say we're gonna do our due diligence on everybody that's out there, especially at the edge-rushing position. I'm not gonna go into specifics of and details of conversations we've had," Douglas said while being understandably evasive while talking about a player who is still on the open market.
After talking up the return of Jordan Jenkins, Douglas got back to the topic of Clowney and other potential pass-rushing help, suggesting that the Jets have the "flexibility" to add at that position.
"We're gonna look at multiple positions throughout the rest of free agency and the draft. And if there is an opportunity for us to upgrade, I think we have the flexibility to do it."
The Giants reportedly expressed interest in Clowney earlier this offseason, but would have to jump through hoops right now in order to afford him -- including rescinding the franchise tag from Leonard Williams.
SNY's Ralph Vacchiano reported last week that there hadn't been any team so far willing to meet Clowney's asking price of more than $20 million per season on a long-term deal.
And Clowney has reportedly lowered his asking price since, making now the potentially perfect time for the Jets to swoop in.
The Jets are expected by many to go for an offensive lineman or wide receiver with the No. 11 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, so their best chance to add a pass-rusher could be through free agency.