Browns: 3 things to consider while Cleveland pursues Jadeveon Clowney

It seems more and more likely that the Browns actually end up signing Jadeveon Clowney to a deal, at least that’s the word on the streets. The two sides are meeting again on Wednesday, and the idea that a deal could be offered is being strongly implied. Though, that’s all mostly conjecture at this point.

The Browns pursued Clowney all offseason last year, and it might have hurt the team in the long haul. After all, it wasn’t until September that he finally signed. That was half a year earmarking money for a player who had no real interest. Yet, after three down seasons, and never having lived up to his lofty first-overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, Clowney is looking to turn his career around; meaning the Browns might get a cushy deal.

What does a Clowney signing mean for the Browns, however?

Three things to consider…

The cost and length of the deal

Last year the Browns offered Jadeveon Clowney a multi-year deal, allegedly close to what he signed with the Titans; about $15 million. Clowney was hurt most of the year, and ineffective the rest. Clowney isn’t worth half of that this year and dang sure shouldn’t get more than a one-year deal if he’s getting paid more than $5 million per. Considering the Texans and the Seahawks were among the league’s worst defenses when Clowney was there in 2018 and 2019, it’s fair to say he doesn’t make the impact many think he can.

That’s not to say he can’t make a team better, but better by how much? That’s what his deal is going to say; by signing Clowney we are expecting to be better by X amount.

Whether or not Jadeveon Clowney will sign before the draft

Getting a deal done by the draft is imperative as it could change the trajectory of what the Browns opt to do when their numbers are called. If Clowney isn’t signed and delivered, the Browns may go end, but if Clowney signs after the fact, then you have five defensive ends to play and holes at linebacker, safety, and defensive tackle that got passed over. So getting Clowney in before the Draft is a necessity.

What draft implications will this cause

If Clowney does come in before the draft, how will his signing affect the draft. Will guys like Jaelen Phillips and Gregory Rousseau still be selected or will a more hybrid player like Zaven Collins be the choice? Will the Browns even worry about pass rushing if Clowney gets signed? What if they don’t pursue another pass rusher and instead fill a different need; would that be a mistake?