I have expressed an opinion very similar to what Jammer posted above and have thought about the alternatives we're all entertaining. But as I watch what's happening, and not happening, here is what I've concluded...the perfect storm that will result in Clowney to Seattle has materiized. Here's why...
The Seahawk principles and CLowney have repeatedly, publicly, expressed a desire to have Clowney playing as a Seahawk. But Clowney's contract stipulated that he not be tagged to allow him to test the FA waters. Seattle honored that agreement, proving their intent for fair and honest negotiation. Clowney can not deny any of that. He gave a statement insinuating he wanted his contract to set the bar for players at his position. That statement is a critical cog in what transpired with the onset of actual FA activity.
Other teams expressed interest in Clowney, but the price tag he flashed inspired nearly all those teams to opt for other players at lower $. Miami made an offer of $17M, which he turned down. There are rumors floating that Seattle offered him 13.5M. There are other rumors that Seattle offered 18.5. I seriously doubt the former and am inclined to believe the latter is far more accurate. IF that is true it gave Clowney 2 reasons in hand to spurn the Miami offer. He said he wanted to play for a contender and he said he wanted to play in Seattle.
During the FA period other teams have filled their opening/s at edge/rush resulting in the market going virtually dry. It appears there are no teams willing or able to pony up what he was hoping to get, so what's he going to do?
He's going to wait, giving Seattle whatever time it takes them to make the moves that will enable them to pay Clowney what they offered, and I think what they offered is pushing the bar set by the market. I expect he will get right around 18.5M. And I expect him to take it and play happy.
The perfect storm.
Unless our stadium is still a hospital.