Free agent edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney has finally signed. He is joining the Cleveland Browns on a one-year deal worth $10 million. The news breaks from Adam Schefter on Twitter.
Clowney had reported interest from the Colts, Ravens, and Browns before ultimately making his decision to join Cleveland. The talented pass rusher has had his fair share of injuries, playing a full 16 game season just once in his seven-year career. A dominant run in Houston in which Clowney amassed 29 sacks in four seasons for the Texans was followed by disappointing stints in Seattle and Tennessee. Just last season for the Titans Clowney played eight games without recording a single sack.
While there is some tread on his tires, Clowney remains a dominant force along the edge. He joins another former first overall pick in Myles Garrett, forming what may be the best pass-rushing duo in the NFL. In Garrett’s short four-year career he has garnered a huge 42.5 sacks, blowing Clowney’s four-year run in Houston out of the water.
Clowney joins Cleveland on what has been a busy offseason. After making huge splash plays in signing John Johnson and Troy Hill the secondary has been completely revamped. Now with Clowney and Takk McKinley on the edge opposite of Garrett, the Browns make a case for the most talented defense in the league. The only question is whether Kevin Stefanski can put it all together and make a deep playoff run that has eluded Cleveland for so long.
With the edge position likely addressed, what will the Browns do in this year’s draft? The only hole they seem to have is at linebacker now. Are the Browns a true contender after this signing?
