Cleveland Browns: Jadeveon Clowney has Super Bowl in mind

Jadeveon Clowney recently re-signed with the Cleveland Browns. One of the reasons he decided to return was his belief they were Super Bowl contenders.

It took a long time for the Cleveland Browns and Jadeven Clowney to finally come to terms on a new contract this offseason, but most fans felt as though he was always going to be returning.

Not only did Clowney have a resurgent season in 2021 while playing across from Myles Garrett, but he also had nothing but positive things to say about his time in Cleveland. On top of that, one of his old friends from Houston joined the party when the Browns added quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Now with their defensive back intact — and what they hope to be a more explosive offense with Watson and Amari Cooper — Clowney sees this team as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

"“I just want to chase that Super Bowl, we had a great defense last year. We went out and got some more key players on offense and defense, and I feel like we’ve got a shot.” — Clowney via Browns’ Best Podcast Available."

Clowney and Garrett are both former No. 1 overall selections and while Garrett is universally considered a success, Clowney hasn’t always lived up to the expectations placed on him. The South Carolina product had some strong seasons with the Texans but was slowed by injuries.

He then went to Seattle in 2019 and Tennessee in 2020 where he had a total of three sacks (all in 2019) and continued to struggle with health.

Jadeveon Clowney rebounded with Cleveland Browns

Then in 2021, he joined the Browns and was able to suit up for 14 games. He finished with 37 tackles and 9.0 sacks and was credited with 32 quarterback pressures. A disruptive force in the passing game, Clowney is also elite against the run.

Bringing him back does complete the Browns defense. They have depth in the secondary, linebackers who can make the necessary plays, and two stud defensive ends. In the middle of the line, they have Perrion Winfrey, Taven Bryan, Tommy Togiai, and Jordan Elliott — which should give them enough talent to hold their own there as well.

What’s most important, however, is the depth they have behind Clowney and Garrett. Cleveland added Chase Winovich in a trade with New England and Alex Wright in the NFL Draft to give them two talented players who can keep their top guys fresh.

Until the season gets underway, we won’t know for sure if this is enough to make them contenders, but Clowney has no problem already putting that thought out there.