4 Cleveland Browns who have proven their worth in 2021
By Greg Newland
2. Cleveland Browns DE Jadeveon Clowney
During the 2020 offseason, Berry and the Cleveland Browns made a big push to sign Jadeveon Clowney before he eventually signed with the Tennessee Titans for reportedly less money. This didn’t sit well with Browns fans, but Berry still found a way to get the former No. 1 pick in Cleveland on a one-year deal.
The stat line of 29 tackles, five sacks, and two pass deflections doesn’t jump off the charts at you, but he has been a fantastic addition to this defense. In the first Baltimore game alone, he was about an inch away from three sacks and he has been in the face of quarterbacks all year.
What can’t be overstated, is how good Clowney is vs. the run. And with the interior line of the Cleveland Browns being a major weakness, his strengths have helped sure up the run defense. If you really pay attention to opposing teams, you’ll see them quite often run in the opposite direction of Clowney.
The sack numbers aren’t phenomenal, but the film is for Clowney in 2021. Because of that, I’m not sure he will be an option for the Browns this offseason. He could find himself in high demand and get in the $17-20 million per year range which I don’t see the Browns willing to pay.
However, he and Myles Garrett have become very close and it appears he is extremely happy in Cleveland. Clowney has likely learned he is a much better No. 2 than No. 1 pass rusher on a team, so given the perfect fit the Browns may have a chance.