Jadeveon Clowney, a free agent, has signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns, it was announced Wednesday.
The deal is worth up to $ 10 million, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Clowney will have a chance to thrive playing against Myles Garrett, the former No. 1 overall pick.
“We’re excited to add Jadeveon to our defensive line,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said in a statement. It is a disruptive force that will help us against the race and the step. We’ve been able to incorporate some good input into our defense throughout our free agency and look forward to starting work to be able to improve our team. ”
Clowney, 28, visited the Browns last month, sources told ESPN, but left Cleveland without any agreement. General manager Andrew Berry also chased him hard last season to partner with Garrett, but the three-time Pro Bowler would have turned down Cleveland’s multi-year contract offer and eventually signed a one-year deal with 13 million dollars with the Tennessee Titans.
Clowney battled with Tennessee in 2020, finishing with 19 tackles and zero sacks in eight games before suffering a knee injury at the end of the season in November. He underwent surgery in December and is expected to be in full health at the start of the 2021 season.
For the past three seasons, Clowney has ranked fifth in the NFL with a quick 25% win rate, according to ESPN Stats & Info. During this period, Garrett ranks third, with 26%.
“We love his relentless style of play,” Berry said in a statement. “He’s one of the most disturbing players in the game and we think he’ll add an element of robustness along our defensive line and he’ll combine very well with a lot of the guys we already have on the roster. The other thing we like about Jadeveon is his versatility, his ability to play across the front and impact the game regardless of his lineup. “
Cleveland already bolstered his career at the free agency last month by signing Takk McKinley on a one-year contract. McKinley struggled with injuries last season, but finished seventh in the fast-paced win rate in 2018, one place behind Clowney and four behind Garrett that season.
The No. 1 pick for the Houston Texans in 2014, Clowney can play any position on the defensive front, making him valuable for teams looking for versatility in the scheme. He is a disruptive player as an inside runner or coming off the edge.
Clowney has 255 attacks (75 per loss), 86 quarterback hits and 32 sacks in his seven seasons. Throughout his career, he has treated several injuries to his knee, as well as injuries to his groin, elbow, back and Lisfranc.
The Browns now have three of the last seven No. 1 overall advantages on the roster, including quarterback Baker Mayfield.
ESPN’s Jake Trotter and Turron Davenport contributed to this report.