Clowney chose Browns over bigger, longer deals to play with Watson

The Cleveland Browns are putting together an exciting team, on paper, this offseason. Adding names like Deshaun Watson and Amari Cooper while signing Denzel Ward to a long-term contract extension were huge moves to add to a core with Myles Garrett, Nick Chubb, a great offensive line, John Johnson III and a few really good young players spread around.

One key component was the lack of an additional defensive end opposite Garrett. Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinely entered free agency this offseason. While the addition of Chase Winovich was helpful, the lack of a true starter was concerning.

Sunday, Clowney returned.

Unlike Watson and Cooper, the Browns know what Clowney can do in this system with these players around him. He had a very good year with the team in 2021 and returns to a team with even greater expectations.

The addition of Watson drew his attention right away this offseason. The former Houston Texans teammates know each other well. According to a report, Clowney turned down bigger, longer deals to return to Cleveland:

While we haven’t seen all the details, initial reports are that Clowney instead returned to the Browns for a maximum of $11 million for this season. The defensive end spoke highly of Cleveland before Watson waived his no trade clause:

As previously reported by Albert Breer, Clowney was not interested in returning to Cleveland with Baker Mayfield as the quarterback.

With Garrett, Clowney and Winovich at the top of the depth chart, Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas, two of Cleveland’s 2022 draft selections, get a chance to develop instead of being forced into roles right away.