The Cleveland Browns just secured a new defensive end, adding veteran Jadeveon Clowney to the mix. The Browns signed Clowney to a one-year deal worth up to 10 million dollars after he passed his physical on Wednesday, during his second visit with the team.
Clowney’s career began in Houston when he was drafted 1st overall by the Texans in 2014. After spending 5 seasons with the Texans, he was traded to the Seahawks. In 2020, Clowney passed on an offer from the Browns and decided to sign with the Titans. After that season with the Titans, Clowney decided to sign with the Browns, adding another talent to the Browns’ defensive line.
Clowney will step in as a starter alongside Myles Garrett, along with having to share time with another new edge rusher, Takk McKinley, who signed with the Browns on a one-year deal worth $4.25 million last month. Along with the signing of McKinley, the Browns also signed defensive tackle Malik Jackson. These new offseason additions will complete the Browns defensive line, allowing them to move focus on strengthing their secondary and linebacking cores. Last season, the Browns defense was not as strong as their offense but the Browns would like to change that, and they believe that these new additions, including Clowney, can help them in that undertaking.
Cleveland Browns GM, Andrew Barry praised Clowney after signing him on Wednesday.
“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.”
Throughout Clowney’s 7 year career, he’s posted 255 tackles (75 for a loss), 86 quarterback hits and 32 sacks. Along with those numbers, it is important to note that Clowney has experienced his fair share of injuries. One of those injuries being a nagging knee injury that occurred in October, which landed him on injured reserve. Last season’s injury did lower the free-agent market for Clowney, but that did not stop the Browns from considering him and subsequently signed him.
Clowney is a dominant defensive end and a 3 time Pro Bowler. The Browns need help on defense and, he will make a great addition. His history of injuries is concerning, but the Browns have a lot to prove, and so does Clowney. Clowney brings elite run defense and an almost unparalleled ability to set the edge. He will make a great addition opposite Garrett. The signing of Clowney will help the Browns defense greatly and allow Clowney to have a fresh start in Cleveland. The Browns defense is growing stronger by the days, and we are sure to see their defense improve next season.
Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel
