Cleveland Browns pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney has been playing on one-year deals for the past three seasons. Following his top pass-rushing performance in years, Clowney could finally find a long-term home during the 2022 free agency cycle. Given his stats from this past season, what type of contract could Clowney receive this offseason?
Jadeveon Clowney: Free Agency Overview
After posting 9 sacks for the Browns last season, and still just 28 years old, Clowney has plenty of football left in him. While he’s been an NFL mercenary for the past few years, he could be a long-term fit in the right scheme, especially one that takes advantage of his versatility.
Recapping Clowney’s 2021 season
After a forgettable one-season stint with the Titans, Clowney signed a one-year deal with the Browns this past offseason. The former No. 1 overall pick lasted just eight games in Tennessee and didn’t produce a sack, as a knee injury shut him down by midseason.
Getting a fresh start in Cleveland helped, with his 9 sacks coming in 14 games while playing opposite Myles Garrett. That sack total tied his mark in 2018. Before landing with the Browns, Clowney had produced just 3 total sacks in the two years prior.
Clowney’s contract estimate and salary cap implications
Clowney signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Browns last season. He previously made $12 million on a one-year deal with the Titans. Now, he’s expected to receive a pay bump after a bounce-back campaign.
Spotrac lists Clowney’s annual projected value at $12.7 million. That average would put him among the top 25 highest-paid defensive ends in the NFL.
Possible landing spots for Clowney
Clowney has shown he doesn’t mind traveling to prolong his career, especially when a big paycheck is attached. Teams with notable situations like the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Miami Dolphins could all use pass-rushing help.
The Dolphins have been linked to Clowney in the past, and they seem to be a potential playoff squad. That could entice the former top pick to sign on the dotted line.
What they’re saying about Clowney
“JD had a really good season for us, was very productive [against the] run and pass, and a disruptive player. He paired nicely with the other guys who we had up front, obviously with Myles being at the forefront. He had a good year, he did the things that we envisioned when we signed him. Good season. Fit in nicely for us. The next several weeks, we will see kind of what the future holds with all of our guys across the roster.” — Browns GM Andrew Berry on team’s outlook on Clowney.