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Baker Mayfield appears to be heading out of a Cleveland Browns uniform, but Jadeveon Clowney is heading in the opposite direction. The former first overall pick completed his decision-making process in 2022 in NFL free agency after not signing with any club just before the OTAs began in June. Much to the delight of head coach Kevin Stefanski and company, Clowney has agreed to a deal that will bring him back to Cleveland for the 2022 season.
He will sign a one-year deal worth over $11 million, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson, who remains in place as an impact pass rusher to All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett. Even better for the Browns is how badly Clowney wanted to stay after reportedly turning down other offers that hit $15 million — per NFL Network — and offered to stay here for several years.
If true, it’s a big coup for the Browns.
Clowney, 29, accumulated nine sacks in 14 starts last season – his best performance in this category since his last season with the Houston Texans (2018). Since leaving the Texans for a free hand, he’s been struggling to re-establish himself as the top pass rusher in the league. As a member of the Tennessee Titans, he delivered just three sacks in 2019 on a one-year contract and no sacks in 2020. He would sign a one-year contract with the Browns in 2021 and will now sign his fourth straight evidentiary contract in as many years.
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As a three-time Pro Bowler and former second-team All-Pro, there’s clearly plenty left in his tank, and the Browns are hoping it can help him repeat the resurgence he saw on his first deal in Cleveland.