Cleveland Browns rumors: Agents dish on Jadeveon Clowney, Hooper, Keenum

Agents are speaking out and have something to say about the Cleveland Browns.

At least one agent thinks the Cleveland Browns reached by signing Austin Hooper. This deal swinger spoke to The Athletic on the condition of anonymity, but considering the timing of David Njoku’s trade request…well, no proof here, I just like to play connect the dots.

The article surveyed 30 agents, all of whom had their names concealed, and asked them to name the most surprising contract given out during free agency.

Hooper’s name came up, in light of the tight end signing a $42 million contract with the Browns last March. Here’s what the agent said, via The Athletic:

"“A little bit of a reach. Hayden Hurst probably does about the same in Atlanta.”"

Take the agent game for what it’s worth. Everything is about getting the best deal for their client, so there’s always bias. In Browns Town, the Hooper signing was lauded as Cleveland is viewed as getting a dependable player who should thrive playing for first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski, a play caller who loves drawing up plays for his tight end.

2. Case Keenum also made the list, after signing a three-year pact worth $18 million. One agent couldn’t understand how Cam Newton got a $1.05 million base salary (potentially worth $7.5 million), while Keenum stands to make $6 million annually.

“Come on,” said the agent comparing the two deals.

2. Interesting, in the same survey, the Browns were listed as offseason winners, so not all the agents share the opinion of the one who downloaded on Hooper.

The Tampa Tom’s were considered to have the best offseason with 12 votes, while the Dolphins came in at second place (6). The Browns took third place with three votes.

"“I think Andrew Berry is a great mind. On a personal level, I like him. We have great conversations. I just think the way he deals with people, his football knowledge.”"

Understandably, consternation was oozing out of our pours last January, when the Browns shifted back to analytics by canning John Dorsey and re-hiring Berry. That said, the Harvard educated executive has won both old-school and new-school philosophies over. Name one move you don’t like? Case closed.

3. The agents weighted in on free agents still waiting on a contract, including Jadeveon Clowney.

With Olivier Vernon agreeing to restructure his contract, the ship appears to have sailed on Clowney wearing an orange helmet in 2020.

Vernon was to make just over $15 million this season, but the Browns bumped that number down to $11 million.

The team reportedly offered Clowney $15 million. The former No. 1 pick didn’t bite, though, looking for a payday elsewhere.

“[Clowney being unsigned] is a real shocker, but that’s been a theme this offseason. The big money wasn’t really out there. Newton signing for so little (was) another example.”

A quote like this could sure use some sourcing. The money wasn’t out there? The aforementioned Hooper deal was the richest contract ever given to a tight end. Keenum, a backup, is close to earning low level starter money.

For fans who pay attention, it’s pretty obvious why Clowney didn’t get paid. The big money goes to pass rushers. Clowney, while a good end who’s superb against the run, doesn’t bring quarterbacks to the ground.