3 free agents Cleveland Browns should prioritize in 2022
By Greg Newland
Cleveland Browns target No. 2 – Jadeveon Clowney, Defensive End
I think many were skeptical when Andrew Berry brought in Jadeveon Clowney on a one-year deal, but man has it paid off. Not only has Clowney been a dominant pass-rusher, but he also continues to prove he is one of the best run defenders in the league. The Browns should do everything possible to bring him back for 2022 forward.
Clowney left his partner in crime, J.J. Watt after 2018 and then bounced to Seattle and Tennessee where he was asked to be the primary rusher. After two seasons with only three total sacks, Clowney finally seems comfortable with his partner in crime, Myles Garrett.
The big question with Clowney will be money. Does he want to make $20 million a year and possibly be on a bad team? Or does he want the chance at winning a Super Bowl and having a guy like Garrett across from him taking a ton of pressure off him?
Clowney has been great, but he’s getting a ton of one on one looks because of all the attention Garrett gets. It’s also worth noting that Clowney and Garrett have become close friends on and off the field. You can’t make a business decision off being friends, but it certainly won’t hurt the cause.
I would love to see Berry sign Clowney to a 3-year extension in the $15-18 million per year range, with the Browns having the ability to get out of the contract after two years. Clowney can certainly get more money than that elsewhere, but he may be willing to give a hometown discount after originally not wanting to come to Cleveland.