The Cleveland Browns are signing free-agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the three-time Pro Bowler’s contract is worth up $10 million.
“We’re excited to add Jadeveon to our defensive line,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said in a statement posted to the team’s website. “He’s a disruptive force that will help us against the run and the pass. We’ve been able to make some nice additions to our defense throughout free agency and we are looking forward to getting to work, so we can improve our team.”
Yahoo! Sports columnist Charles Robinson reported Clowney will receive $8 million with $2 million in incentives.
Clowney, 28, arrived Tuesday night in Cleveland, and visited the Browns for a second time this offseason on Wednesday.
OFFICIAL: Welcome to Cleveland, @ClowneJD❗️
We've signed 3-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney » https://t.co/5ZpFZR8QCU pic.twitter.com/rEA6gFUxUj
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 14, 2021
For the #Browns and Jadeveon Clowney, it’s a 1-year deal worth up to $10M https://t.co/GiZ41R2a4i
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 14, 2021
Cleveland #Browns are signing Jadeveon Clowney to a 1-year deal for $8 million. Source says an additional $2 million in incentives will be available. Plan is to play Clowney opposite Myles Garrett. A salary restructure or release of Sheldon Richardson may be required.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) April 14, 2021
Unnamed sources told Rapoport that Clowney passed his physical.
March 24 marked the first time this offseason the Browns hosted Clowney for a visit.
The Browns will likely pair Clowney opposite All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett.
“Jadeveon’s had a very productive career since 2014. We love his relentless style of play,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement. “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.”
Free-agent signing Takk McKinley will also look to get into the defensive end rotation with Clowney and Garrett.
Clowney has struggled with injuries.
The former No. 1 overall pick is coming off of a season-ending knee injury that limited him to eight games in 2020 for the Tennessee Titans.
Clowney is coming off surgery, which repaired his torn meniscus.
In 2020, Clowney played 38% of the Titans’ defensive snaps.
The 2017 campaign marked the last time he played a full 16-game season when he posted a career-high 9.5 sacks.
Clowney has been a productive player when he’s stayed healthy.
Last season, Clowney finished with 19 tackles, zero sacks, six quarterback hits, four tackles for a loss, four pass deflections and a forced fumble.
Pro Football Focus ranked Clowney as the 19th best edge rusher in 2020 despite not having a sack.
“Jadeveon’s play-to-play impact on the game, whether it’s the run game as a rusher, lined up as a three-technique or lined up as an end, is something we really value,” Berry said. “We think he’ll really be beneficial for us in our defensive system.”
Jadeveon Clowney: 89.5 PFF Grade since 2014
14th among edge defenders pic.twitter.com/ILOFt97ZJz
— PFF (@PFF) April 14, 2021
Clowney’s best NFL seasons came in 2016-2018 when he was a Pro Bowler for the Houston Texans.
The Texans paired Clowney opposite three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt.
It’s likely Clowney missed out on a lot of money last offseason before signing in September 2020 with the Titans on a one-year deal worth $12.72 million.
In Tennessee, Clowney reunited with his Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel.
It’s no secret the Browns tried acquiring Clowney several times last offseason.
In 2020, the Browns could not meet Clowney in person because of COVID-19 protocols.
Berry has focused on improving the defense this offseason with the signings of Clowney, McKinley, safety John Johnson III, cornerback Troy Hill, linebacker Anthony Walker and defensive tackle Malik Jackson.
NEXT: Nick Chubb Launches Cereal Line, Proceeds For Charity