Clowney shores up our edge run defense. He will draw a double at times in both rushing and passing plays. He will elevate the entire line, IMO. If you offset $16m on Clowney with $8m savings on Stills, it looks pretty attractive to me.
I'm starting to think this defense might be in the top 15 this year, even without Clowney. Caveat: the O could kill this D with TOP. Last year this D was historically bad. Tell me they don't look better with the DL technique and LBs actually making plays.
This move would reinforce what I already believe: no self-respecting coach and GM are intentionally tanking. They look to me like they are going with younger eager talent over 2nd and 3rd contract guys that are marginal.