10 NFL players on new teams who will shine in 2021
By Randy Gurzi
3. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE, Cleveland Browns
Another big move for the Cleveland Browns this offseason was the signing of defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. The former No. 1 pick in 2014 out of South Carolina, was a free agent in 2020 and the Browns went after him in hopes of trying to pair him with Myles Garrett — the No. 1 pick from 2017. Clowney was offered a substantial three-year deal but wasn’t sold on the Browns and instead took a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans trying to bet on himself to earn a long-term deal in 2021.
Things didn’t go as planned for Clowney as he recorded no sacks in eight games before suffering an injury that prematurely ended his season. Once again a free agent this offseason, Clowney decided to take the offer to play in Cleveland — but he may not have had much choice.
His injury history has turned a lot of teams off — as did the lack of production over the past two seasons. However, he finds himself in a new city where there won’t be nearly as much attention from the opposing offensive lines as he’s used to seeing thanks to the presence of Garrett on the opposite side.
The only real question is if he can stay healthy. While he might not play all 17 games, as long as Clowney suits up for the majority of them, the Browns are going to be very happy with their investment. He’s a wildly disruptive player who comes in at a very affordable rate for Cleveland. Another win for GM Andrew Berry.