Clowney Staying in AFC North

Former Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is signing with the Baltimore Ravens. This brings a close to his free agency period after a tumultuous ending to his time with the Browns last year.

Former Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is reportedly signing with the Baltimore Ravens according to Josina Anderson.

Jadaveon Clowney is going to the Ravens.

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 18, 2023

 For Clowney it seems waiting to sign late in the offseason has become an annual tradition, however, the wait this year could have been prolonged by the circumstances that ended his tenure with the Browns. The team severed ties with Clowney premature of last seasons final few games after he caused quite the internal stir by publicly criticizing the team and coaches for his utilization in the defense. He also claimed the team favored Myles Garrett too much.

Clowney drew little interest from teams prior to training camps beginning. He visited with the Ravens a few weeks ago and took a visit to Jacksonville as well over the last few days. For the Ravens signing a veteran to bolster their defensive line is “old hat,” and this definitely feels like a Baltimore move. Getting to play the Browns twice this year could be a motivator for him to sign with the Ravens. 

Clowney played two seasons with the Browns from 2021-2022. In his first year he was able to stay relatively healthy and had one of the best statistical seasons of his career across from Garrett and was able to record 9 sacks.

Last year, however, nagging injuries seemed to hamper his performance as the frustration mounted over the course of the season. Things were so bad at one point that Clowney reportedly refused to go in the game even though he was able.

Clowney provides Baltimore a veteran presence to add to their rotation of young promising pass rushers. Baltimore must feel comfortable with him meshing with their young defensive ends.