The return of DE Jadeveon Clowney to the Cleveland Browns was huge for the team’s offseason. While the addition of QB Deshaun Watson, WR Amari Cooper and even K Cade York may get the headlines, bringing back DE Myles Garrett’s bookend was vital.
At the end of last year, Clowney said that money would decide who he signed with. Early in the offseason, it seemed that Clowney was ready to move on to another team.
After the former top overall pick returned to Cleveland, there was a report that he accepted less money to return. There were also a few reports that Clowney was not going to return to play with QB Baker Mayfield but was excited to play with Watson once again including a report that the defensive end sold Watson on coming to the Browns.
Clowney confirmed that Watson was the deciding factor for him in his return:
Jadeveon Clowney admitted today he’s here because Watson is here. Added he’d probably be a Falcon if Deshaun ended up in Atlanta pic.twitter.com/ntKddX3RE9
— Anthony Lima (@SportsBoyTony) June 16, 2022
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It is interesting to note that the Atlanta Falcons were a team as a report earlier this offseason said WR Jarvis Landry would have joined Watson there as well.
Clowney noted the complementary style of football between the offense and defense that made him excited to play with his former Houston Texans teammate. A Watson-led offense can give the defense time to rest while also forcing the opposing offense to have to pass the ball more. Both are significant benefits for Clowney and the rest of the defense.
An important move for the Browns defense was made possible due to a move made on the offensive side of the ball.