'I Need To Be Here!' - Ravens Clowney

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jadeveon Clowney speaks about his decision to sign with the team.

Baltimore Ravens newest addition Jadeveon Clowney spoke about his desire to play in Baltimore after his official visit.

"When I walked in I felt like I was already a part of the team, everybody showed me love and said 'what's up,' even the players," Clowney said. "I was like 'I need to be here and come play here."

Clowney signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Ravens on Aug. 18. Previously, he was a member of Baltimore’s AFC North rival the Cleveland Browns. In two seasons with Cleveland, he recorded 11 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. He wasn't the only high-profile name to join the Ravens this offseason, with Odell Beckham Jr. also joining the roster on a one-year deal.

A big part of why the Ravens chose to sign Clowney was to bolster what was already a top three run defense. Among qualified EDGE rushers, he graded as the 19th best run-stopper in the NFL. Baltimore ranked as the third-best run defense in the NFL last season, only giving up 92.1 rushing yards per game. 

In 2014, the Houston Texans made Clowney the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft after he impressed at South Carolina. In his Texans career, he registered 29 sacks, 54 tackles for loss, and made three Pro Bowls. 

The Ravens begin their season on Sep. 10 at 1 p.m. ET on the road against none other than the Houston Texans - where it all began for Clowney. 

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