The Browns have agreed to sign Jadeveon Clowney (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The defensive end will receive a one-year contract worth up to $10MM. The Browns have since confirmed the deal.
Clowney will start opposite of Myles Garrett, giving the Browns two former No. 1 overall picks at defensive end. f course, Clowney hasn’t put up the same kind of gaudy sack totals. He’s coming off of an eight-game, zero sack season that was shorted by knee trouble. He did, however, notch 19 tackles, four tackles for a loss, six quarterback hits, four passes defensed, and one forced fumble for the Titans. Also, the advanced metrics were still fond of his work. At the time of his season-ending injury, Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 16th-best edge player in the league. PFF also gave him above-average marks in both run defense and pass coverage.
“We’re excited to add Jadeveon to our defensive line,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “He’s a disruptive force that will help us against the run and the pass. We’ve been able to make some nice additions to our defense throughout free agency and we are looking forward to getting to work, so we can improve our team.”
Naturally, teams were concerned about Clowney’s injury history, but he has already passed his physical with the Browns. That’s a good sign for the summer to come, as Clowney will have ample time to gear up for September. He’ll join a handful of new faces on the Browns’ defense, including cornerback Troy Hill, linebacker Anthony Walker, and ex-Falcons first-rounder Takkarist McKinley, who should factor into the DE rotation.
“Jadeveon’s had a very productive career since 2014. We love his relentless style of play,” Browns GM Andrew Berry said. “He’s one of the more disruptive players in the game and we think he’s going to add an element of ruggedness along our defensive line and will pair nicely with many of the guys we have on the roster already. The other thing we love about Jadeveon is his versatility, his ability to play all across the front and impact the game regardless of his alignment.”
The three-time Pro Bowler averaged 8.2 sacks and two forced fumbles per season between 2016 and 2018. Unfortunately, he’s turned in only one full 16-game slate as a pro. He’ll have another opportunity to reassert himself in Cleveland, especially with opposing blockers putting the bulk of the attention on Garrett.
Eh, it’s an overpay. He hasn’t been all that good the last few seasons. Maybe I’m wrong, but all of the injuries have taken the majority of his talent.
Depends on what the specifics of contract is…just says “up to 10mm” so it could be very performance based heavy and then a great deal for the browns.
If you could get an above average EDGE rusher for 10 million (likely less, as it’s mostly incentives based in all likelihood), you’d do it as a GM. People just say overpay because of the name involved.
Prob not overpay. Base is prob 5 mill plus incentives to reach 10 mill
Here come all the overpay comments, it’s a good price it deal, he passed his psychical and is an elite run defender. He obviously won’t get the QB quite like Myles will but he will have his opportunities. Huge upgrade well down AB!!!
He’s getting paid based on potential, not results. His numbers are more in line with a DT than a DE/Edge whose advertised book of work is sacking the QB. If you go based on last years numbers, I’d say he’s not worth the dime. Time will tell.
This guy is an overrated bust. Number 1 overall pick and never more than 10 sacks.
How many million has he made from that 1 over highlighted tackle in college?
He’s made a TON of money from that hit…it was one heck of a hit though!
People keep saying that, but once again, he was the likely 1st overall pick before that. It’s just a fact. Go see if you can find a few draft articles from back then. You’ll see that many had him as the number one pick before that game.
The Michigan Wolverines have been an embarrassment since that hit
He’s only 28, but all those injuries are concerning. However, if he plays anything close to his potential, this will be a deal, if not, well, its only a year.
it’s 8 mil, incentives up to 10
People always talk about an overpay. Who cares? Not my money. It’s a 1 year deal so it’s not going to keep them from keeping any younger stars plus Clowney can play the run and McKinley can rush the passer. I’d draft an end too
It matters because there is a salary cap.
Did you read my comment? It’s not going to affect signing the younger guys next year. This is a 1 year deal. They needed another DE and he was the best available. Browns have enough cap space
It’s not overpay. Prob 5 mill plus incentives… my only issue is you are relying on him to play.. that’s the question Mark.. if you are Cleveland you hope he reaches all his incentives
Bet he wishes he signed that contract extension with Huston when they offered it but then again Huston’s a mess right now
Houston traded him because O’Brien did not like him, so it’s not all his fault. But I would agree with you, had it been another team than Houston, which currently is not a place most players want to be.
Where’s gustin goin now
Looks like he’ll get $1mil/tackle…
He’s playing the Browns. Most overrated player in football.
Same ol Browns lol