Cleveland Browns: Jadeveon Clowney not worth the money?

Jadeveon Clowney isn’t worth the money for the Cleveland Browns, per one writer.

The Cleveland Browns offer appears to still be on the table for Jadeveon Clowney, but as the sting of rejection still settles with fans, it’s worth wondering if the former No. 1 overall pick is worth an annual average salary of $15 million.

Clowney hasn’t been a bust, but he hasn’t been the player advertised coming out of South Carolina. In his final collegiate season, the defensive end was pegged as a sack machine. However, that trait hasn’t materialized in the NFL, as Clowney has totaled just 32 sacks since getting regular playing time in 2015.

ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi was asked if Clowney was “worth the money,” meaning, $15 million per season, and the longtime scribe was reluctant because Olivier Vernon is still under contract.

"“I’m going to say no, because the uncertainty, it’s just not $15 million. You’re giving him cash signing bonus you don’t have to give Vernon,” Grossi said on The Really Big Show, via TheLandonDemand.com."

There are other conerns, as Clowny isn’t an elite pass rusher, although he is good against the run. That said, the money goes goes to guys who bring down the quarterback.

And Vernon is a better bet to get to the quarterback, but health concerns are the big issue with the former Giant.  Meanwhile, Clowney is looking for a contract that pass rushers usually command.

Plus, there’s the commitment. Vernon comes off the books at the end of the season, while signing Clowney will probably require a two-year minimum guarantee, in addition to a signing bonus.

It’s actually breeds confidence that the Browns didn’t trip over themselves to give Clowney the contract he wants after he rejected Cleveland’s offer. Is he good against the run and would it be intriguing to watch him opposite of Myles Garrett? Absolutely, but not at the price he wants.

With Clowney still available, he could always circle back to the Browns, although that’s a tough thing for a player to do. CBS Sports recently published a column projecting Clowney to ultimately sign a one-year, “prove-it” deal with the Tennessee Titans.