Browns nation got some exciting news on Sunday.
According to Browns Insider Mary Kay Cabot, the team agreed to re-sign Jadaveon Clowney to a one-year, $11 million deal.
The defensive end will go a long way towards bolstering a defensive line that still has some lingering question marks.
The Browns went in and made additions through the draft, but bringing in a known commodity like Clowney is only a bonus for the squad.
It’s not hard to imagine why Clowney wanted a return to Cleveland.
He’ll get to start every game alongside Myles Garrett, one of the league’s best rushers.
Solid Career
It’s been eight years since Clowney was selected no. 1 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft.
The three-time Pro Bowler has recorded 41 sacks over those eight years.
But the real storyline was the fact that last season was a significant resurgence in Clowney’s NFL career.
Between 2015 and 2018, Clowney was a strong presence along Houston’s defensive line, recording 29 sacks across four seasons (in his first season, 2014-15, Clowney was limited to just four games due to injury).
The following two seasons, Clowney only managed a measly three sacks total, his production dropping significantly.
Many around the league wondered if Clowney’s window as a productive NFL starter was shut, with guys like Garrett, TJ Watt, and Joey Bosa seeming to take the reins.
But 2021-22 saw Clowney find his old form.
Of course, it probably didn’t hurt lining up with one of the league’s best defensive ends in Myles Garrett.
Garrett and Clowney combined for 25 of the Browns’ 43 sacks last season; that 43 was the ninth-best in the league.
There was some real fear Clowney wouldn’t return in the offseason, given how he’s ping-ponged around the league.
After Houston franchise tagged Clowney back in 2015, the team traded him to Seattle.
Clowney departed from the Seahawks that offseason, taking his talents to Music City and signing with the Titans.
Following that season, Clowney found a home in Cleveland.
As you can see, Clowney isn’t one to get too comfortable in one place.
But the fact he returned to Cleveland shows his comfort with the team, fans, and staff.
Hopefully, he can stay in last season’s form.
Reaction
By and large, fans were thrilled by the addition, welcoming Clowney back with open arms:
#Browns and Jadeveon Clowney have agreed to terms on a deal per MKC
LETS GO!!! pic.twitter.com/BJ4D2iHAnI
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) May 22, 2022
The Jadeveon Clowney signing was always going to happen. #Browns defense is very legit.
— Nick Pedone (@NickPedone12) May 22, 2022
#Browns A HUGE welcome back to edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. In ‘21 among qualifiers, he finished top-25 in (PFF):
• Pass-rush win rate (14.9)
• Pass-rush productivity (8.2)
• Run-defense stops (16)
• QB pressures (53)Sky is the limit with Myles at the opposite edge in ‘22
— Cody Suek (@CodySuek) May 22, 2022
Great signing for the Browns. Hoping Garrett & Clowney can stay healthy & have tremendous seasons. Go Browns! https://t.co/sWlUmBYA5k pic.twitter.com/C74RNGYb2C
— Tom Brunswick (@tom_brunswick) May 22, 2022
Just me, but I want Clowney for more than a year. Stud. #Browns.
— BrownsTouchdownSunglasses (@BrownsTDShades) May 23, 2022
Welcome back Clowney!!!! #Browns pic.twitter.com/KQFViSEl76
— Mullins… Dawg Pound (@62010Mullins) May 22, 2022
It’s an unsurprising response.
Clowney’s hard-nosed brand of football resonates with fans, especially Browns fans.
Add in the fact that Clowney turned down more money to play elsewhere, and he’s well on his way to further endearing himself to Browns nation.
Another nine sacks this season wouldn’t hurt, either.
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