Browns bringing back Jadeveon Clowney not sounding optimistic

Browns GM Andrew Berry talked the media at this week’s NFL Combine, and he addressed a plethora of issues.

Most were interested in the topic of quarterback, however Berry didn’t really change from what he’s already said. The gist: He expects Baker Mayfield to be better, and compared the team to expansion squad in its quest for talent–always searching for the best available players at the position.

So instead of Mayfield, I turned my attention to free-agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

Rather than give a boilerplate give an answer, such as, “We’re hoping to get something done,” Berry gave a less realistic answer concerning the edge rusher,” via ThelandonDemand (subscription needed).

"““Any of our players who are no longer under contract going into the next league year, there is a little bit of uncertainty. That is just the reality of it,” Berry said. “They have gotten to the end of their deals. They have the right to test the market, so to speak. In any given offseason, there are a number of guys where you would like to bring them all back. It does not always work out that way, but we are hopeful to assemble the best team possible in the next few weeks.”"

Sounds like Berry knows Clowney is someone who’s played contract-by-contract the past two seasons and the reality of the former No.1 overall pick returning is entirely up to the player.

Remember, Clowney was looking for a big contract offer following the 2019 season, and it never materialized. The Browns made a play before the 2020 campaign,, but were outbid by the Titans. An injury plagued year sank Clowney’s price, and he agreed to come to Cleveland for $8 million and incentives for 2021.

My guess is there isn’t a team willing to throw a three-year, guaranteed deal Clowney’s way. He’s a nice player to have on your roster, but 2021 showed us he might be better suited to play Robin, to a player of Myles Garret’s caliber in the role of Batman.

I’d be tempted to give him a two-year, incentive-laden contract, but with just a month to go until free agency, Clowney has to see if someone is willing to show him the money.