A number of veteran edge rushers remain on the open market well into the offseason. One of them is Jadeveon Clowney, who, as expected, has not re-signed with the Browns this year. His next destination could still be a familiar one, however. 
In an interview with Mark Berman of Fox 26, the former No. 1 pick indicated that he would welcome a deal reuniting him with the Texans (video link). Clowney, 30, lives and trains in Houston, the city in which he spent the first five years of his career. It was also with the Texans that he earned each of his three Pro Bowl nods, though his production has never fully matched his expectations at any stop in his career.
Clowney followed his tenure in Houston with single campaigns in Seattle and Tennessee, then a two-year stint with the Browns. He proved to be a productive compliment to Myles Garrett in 2021 with nine sacks, but things took a markedly different turn last season. Clowney was limited to a pair of sacks and saw his snap share drop to 63% – the lowest mark in his career since his rookie campaign.
By the end of the season – during which the South Carolina alum had been benched for his public remarks regarding his playing time and usage in the team’s defense – it was obvious that Clowney’s future would not be in Cleveland. He was released in March, leaving him on the open market once again. That puts him among the likes of Frank Clark, Justin Houston and Leonard Floyd as pass rushers seeking a new opportunity.
Clowney expressed praise for new Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, who comes to Houston with a reputation as one of the league’s top defensive minds. The rebuilding team has made a few moves already along the edge, including trading up to the No. 3 pick in the draft to select Will Anderson Jr, along with the signing of Chase Winovich and a reunion with Jacob Martin. That could create an uncertain path to a starting role for Clowney, but his optimism for Houston’s future could produce conversations beyond the initial one his agent had with the organization earlier this offseason.
It remains to be seen, however, if Clowney’s desire for a return is matched by the Texans. No timeline is currently in place for a deal in Houston or elsewhere to come to fruition, but it would certainly be notable if the next phase of his career took place where it began.
if they’re trying to build the locker room with a young team they should look elsewhere
His production is dependent on a better DE / OLB opposite the side he is positioned. Apparently his talents aren’t in line with his original draft slot and unless a team has dominant players around him he’s just mediocre.
Probably interested in ANY team…willing to “gift” him a new contract.
I thought that Clowney burnt too many bridges when he left Houston in 2018? He turned down a long term contract, trashed talked his way out of town, had the NFLPA file a grievance against the team.
Say what you will about the Steelers, Eagles, Packers, and Raiders organizations. The ownership and fans don’t forget those who choose not to play for them.
Must be why the Steelers brought Bud Dupree in for a workout….so they could tell him they didn’t want him
So, if I recall correctly, Bud Dupree was to be on his second tag coming off an injury when the Steelers let him walk. Second tag’s never work, let alone with an injury.
Dupree signed an $80 million contract to be signed to the PUP list with the Titans. It was a mutual understanding between the Steelers and Bud, no burned bridges or hard feelings. There was no bad mouthing, no investigations, no social media discord. The move was amicable, why would the Steelers not welcome him back?
It cuts both ways as fans never forget the good players that owners let get away. In the Steelers case they gave up on Unitas and spent many years regretting that decision.
Dupree chose not to play for the Steelers and the Steelers invited him in for a workout. I guess you’re right….the Steelers didn’t forget.
Worthless
Dudes been mid ever since his freshman year.
PFR should pop an article on every teams 1st round bust and/or every teams player that had legal incidents
Like filling a car with cement or sawing the top off with a hacksaw