Jadeveon Clowney contract: Browns bolster defensive line

The Cleveland Browns will have defensive end Jadeveon Clowney back for another NFL season.

After bouncing around the NFL the last few years, Jadeveon Clowney plans to stay with the Cleveland Browns, at least for one more season.

CBS Sports HQ’s Josina Anderson reported on Sunday afternoon Clowney is re-upping with the Browns on a one-year deal worth up to $11 million. Clowney had arguably his best season since leaving the Houston Texans last year. He registered 37 combined tackles and nine sacks in 14 games for the AFC North franchise. Clowney thrived playing opposite of Myles Garrett in 2021.

Though he may not get back to a Pro Bowl level again, the former No. 1 overall pick out of South Carolina looks to be right at home along the Banks of Lake Erie.

Cleveland Browns re-up with Jadeveon Clowney on a one-year deal

It is pretty clear how the Browns want to win games this year. While it remains to be seen how many games Deshaun Watson will play coming over the Texans in a franchise-altering trade, Cleveland is dead-set on winning with a ball-control offense and great defensive stalwarts. This will go along way towards competing in the AFC North if Jacoby Brissett is their Week 1 starter.

Even with inconsistent quarterback play from a season ago, Cleveland certainly had its moments in 2021. Of course, they finished with the worst record in the division and missed the playoffs, but that is not the point here. What is important is the Browns are setting themselves up to win in multiple ways, now and in the future. Shoring up the defense will go a long way in that endeavor.

Clowney has never been a pass-rushing phenom, but he approached a career-high in sacks in his first season with the Browns. Playing opposite of Garrett certainly has its benefits, but there are reasons why Clowney went No. 1 out of South Carolina eight years ago. He is great against the run and is an excellent No. 2 option in the trenches for a contending team. Cleveland did good here.

If Watson does not miss most of the season, the Browns have a decent shot at winning 11 games.