The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Report: Clowney spurs ‘rich’ offer
Jadeveon Clowney spurned an offer from the Browns despite it being the most lucrative he has received.
Jadeveon Clowney, one of the NFL’s best defensive players still on the free agent market, recently spurned an offer from the Browns despite it being the most lucrative he has received, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Schefter did not report what the Browns offered. Whatever it was, it had to be based on faith Clowney would rebound from a mediocre 2019 in Seattle. Clowney, a 6-foot-5, 255-pound defensive end, had 31 tackles and three sacks in 11 games with the Seahawks.
He had 32 sacks in five seasons with the Texans after being picked first overall by Houston in the 2014 draft.
“I think (the Browns) have been the most aggressive team with him financially,’’ Schefter told “The Next Level” on WKNR-AM 850 on May 27.
“I just think he has balked at going to Cleveland for whatever reason. I think he’s been hesitant to go, because if he wasn’t he would have gone already because it’s the most money. It’s the richest offer on the table, and he hasn’t taken it. Why is that? I don’t know.”
The fact the Browns showed enough interest in Clowney to make a rich offer could mean the interest still exists, but also they do not have to bid against themselves.
Clowney and Myles Garrett at opposite ends of the defensive line theoretically would give the Browns an intimidating pass rush.
Olivier Vernon would be part of that picture, too. Vernon was acquired from the Giants last year for guard Kevin Zeitler, but Vernon missed six games with a knee injury and produced only 3.5 sacks. Garrett had 10 sacks in 10 games.
“He’s still in a situation where he may need to sign a one-year, prove-it deal. But I think the Browns are interested in him longer term than that,” Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports said May 26 on the Pat McAfee show. “And if he’s going to sign a reduced deal, I’m telling you right now that’s a one-year deal. He’s not going to take some contract where someone is going to pay him $14 million per year.”
General Manager Andrew Berry was asked about Clowney during a conference call last month and said the Browns are always trying to upgrade the roster.
“Obviously Jadeveon, he’s a good football player,” Berry said. “But for us, it really goes back to something I mentioned maybe a few months ago. Rest assured, across all opportunities to acquire players, we’re going to be aggressive in adding talent to the roster.” Clowney underwent sports hernia surgery in February. He has recovered and has been working out in Houston, according to a May 5 tweet from Mark Berman of FOX26 in Houston. Berman said the Seahawks, Ravens and Eagles along with the Browns are possible destinations for Clowney.
“He’s still in a situation where he may need to sign a oneyear prove it deal. But I think the Browns are interested in him longer term than that. And if he’s going to take a reduced deal I’m telling you right now that’s not a one year deal.” - Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson on the Pat McAfee Show, May 26.