Browns rumors: Jadeveon Clowney deal looking imminent

The Cleveland Browns didn’t land Jadeveon Clowney last offseason but all signs point to that changing ahead of the 2021 campaign. 

When Jadeveon Clowney was on the open market last offseason leading right up until training camp, the Cleveland Browns were one of the interested teams as they looked to pair him with Myles Garrett. Of course, they missed out as Clowney landed with Tennessee. Cleveland isn’t looking to miss out a second time.

With the 2021 NFL Draft just a couple of weeks away, the Browns are looking to schedule their second meeting with Clowney of the offseason for Monday, as reported by ESPN’s Josina Anderson. That meeting is also expected to result in Clowney signing to play in Cleveland in 2021 (and possibly longer as details aren’t available yet), per CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.

Some people viewed Clowney as a bust with both the Seahawks and Titans over the past two years but those opinions are rooted in misguided expectations. The former No. 1 overall pick isn’t the dominant pass-rushing presence many expected him to be when he came out of college. However, he’s a fine player off the edge and a plus run defender at the position.

For the Browns, that’s the type of player they need in the fold opposite of Garrett with Olivier Vernon out. He’s a veteran presence that can help stabilize the defensive line and add another fantastic piece heading into the 2021 season.

Adding Jadeveon Clowney would complete a terrific Browns free agency period.

Even without Jadeveon Clowney in the mix, Cleveland would have to be considered one of the winners of the offseason. Signings like safety John Johnson III, cornerback Troy Hill and defensive tackle Malik Jackson all fill big needs for the Browns to help shore up a defense that was their biggest shortcoming down the stretch last year.

Clowney would be the last piece of that puzzle. After the mentioned signings, most people believed that Cleveland was left to do something at defensive end/edge rusher in the first round of this year’s draft. That’s not a necessity if they bring in the former No. 1 overall pick, opening the franchise up to select the best player available and truly make a big run at the playoffs next season.

Of course, if it’s a short-term deal that the Browns ink Clowney to, the likely possibility would be that edge rusher is still the position they address in the first round of the draft. But even then, they still retain flexibility and open up the most doors by signing a player they’ve had their eye on for some time.

Coming off a season in which they ended their postseason drought and even notched a playoff win, the arrow continues to point up in The Land.