We learned yesterday that Jadeveon Clowney would be joining the Browns on a one-year, $10MM deal, and we’ve now got details on the new pact. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the deal includes a $4.5MM signing bonus and a fully guaranteed base salary worth $2.5MM.
[RELATED: Browns To Sign Jadeveon Clowney]
The deal also includes $1MM in 46-man roster bonuses and $2MM in incentives (including $1MM in playing time bonuses and $1MM in sacks bonuses), making the deal effectively a one-year, $8MM deal that could be worth up to $10MM. Interestingly, the deal is technically a five-year pact, but that ultimately voids to a one-year pact for cap purposes.
Clowney didn’t necessarily have a robust market following an underwhelming season with the Titans that saw him collect 19 tackles and zero sacks in eight games; the Browns were one of three teams (along with the Colts and Ravens) who were connected to the former first-overall pick. While Clowney denied Cleveland last offseason, the team’s pursuit was successful this time around. The 28-year-old told NFL.com’s Nick Shook that the team’s continued interest (along with the money) ultimately changed his tune.
“It meant a lot, man,” Clowney said. “It means you’re wanted by somebody. You can tell that [if] somebody really wants you, they’re gonna use you the right way, so that was another big part of me making my decision. They wanted me and when you’re wanted by somebody, you can’t just turn it down like a relationship.”
I’m sure we’ll get the usual “bust” and “overpay” crowd in here, but $8 million for a starting veteran EDGE talent is just factually a good deal. No other way around it. If Clowney ends up earning the $10 million, he’ll certainly have been worth it, given the performance incentives added. He has a better chance of doing this year given that he’ll have an offseason with his new team (at least as much as one is allowed by whatever the adopted NFLPA demands shape up to be).
This is a reasonable rate for what is at worst a slightly above average EDGE player, and at best a versatile game wrecker. Whichever version of Clowney the Browns get, they at least won’t be overpaying for him.
I agree with you. Not a fan of the Browns but I think it’s a good deal for both sides. Actually good be a really good pick up for them, I can see him producing with having Garrett on the opposite side demanding more attention. Clowney hasn’t really lived up to the hype and had some up and down seasons but he’s still had some decent seasons, just not meeting the expectations from a first round pick. Still think he’s a nice addition for a team that could use some help more on the defensive side. Really curious to see how Cleveland does, seems like they finally lived up to expectations last season, was actually fun to watch them make the playoffs and win a playoff game. I personally like when teams havent ever won much or haven’t won in a long time and finally turn it around. Hope to see so even better this season. Gonna be more pressure on Baker and that offense after last seasons success so he’s gotta produce and not get too full of himself. I’m pulling for him and then Browns though and I really like this signing for them
@AK185 – I hope you’re right and this turns out to be a great deal for the Browns. One of his biggest issues has been his inability to stay healthy, so I’m surprised that Cleveland all but guaranteed him $8M in salary. IMO, they should have offered him $5M guaranteed and increased the bonuses to a max total contract payout of $15M. Hats off to his agent; he’s really maximized Jadeveon’s earnings every year, regardless of historical performance or health issues. I need him/her to negotiate my upcoming raise!
there’s a reason he bounces from team to team and it’s the same reason since his rookie year. not disputing his skills, but they’re of no use if he can’t play because of injuries. that’s why no team is willing to give him a big contract
Agreed with all the above. $8 million is really nothing for position, though, which is why I think it’s a good deal. Clowney has been very good at everything but picking up sacks, which as I’ve said before, is due to his lack of development of pass rushing moves and his inability to change up his pass rush technique after initiating it against a lineman. He does still get pressure or demand double teams, and with an offseason with a team this year, will hopefully be better. His health is very, very questionable though, and is the one thing that could easily flip this deal on its side.
If so, though, Cleveland is only out $8 million (that’s a sentence that could be said that way in sports), and just by being on the field Clowney will help Garrett and the interior rushers by sliding protections. This is not an argument that Clowney has lived up entirely to expectations for those who disagree (not the above, obviously); this is an argument refuting those who say that he has no use or that he is not a valuable player at all. Clowney may have needed a better resume to live up to his status, but Cleveland did not spend a first round pick on him, so that really has no bearing on this current deal. I think it’s a good get for the Browns, if Clowney doesn’t get injured yet again.
player health is always a gamble with anyone, some more than others. Clowney knows his big contract days are over, so either take what he can get or retire. he’s still got value and the Browns gave him a decent offer, so both should be happy. and remember, no arguments here, merely discussion and sometimes differing opinions. your comment is solid in my opinion
It didn’t seem to hurt JJ Watt from getting paid
JJ is all hype at this point, maybe 7-10 sacks / year and that’s it.
7-10 is pretty good for a lot of DE/Edge, but for him and this 2 x 28M contract, its not a good deal.
it’s amazing that some players get a big contract and lose interest in playing
apparently you’re not as knowledgeable about Watt as you’re trying to sound. Watt was fairly injury free until right after he got his huge contract. it went downhill from there. it’s very well detailed on Wikipedia
It’s a 1 year deal, technically it’s a 25 year deal with 24 years voidable for cap purposes.
The new norm.
Sounds a lot like Patrick Peterson’s deal with the Vikes.