Should the Browns keep Jadeveon Clowney?

By: Michael Welsh

During the 2021 season, the Browns found themselves constantly coming up short and ultimately having a disappointing season. Through all of the bad, there were numerous bright spots, including some from players that need to be locked up in Cleveland long term. On the flip side, there were a few players that showed they may not be worth the money they’re making. First, let’s take a look at a few players that deserve contracts.

Jadeveon Clowney

Andrew Berry has made several excellent moves since being hired as the General Manager of the Browns in 2020. The signing of Jadeveon Clowney is arguably the best signing he’s done to date. Clowney had bounced around in the league since leaving the Houston Texans in 2018. He came to Cleveland with hope to earn a long term contract while playing on a one year prove-it deal. Needless to say, Clowney absolutely balled out for the Browns in 2021. He was, as usual, and elite run defender and he finished with 9 sacks, the most he has had since 2018. One of the most impressive things was that it was very noticeable when he wasn’t on the field. They felt like a different defense without him, and playing opposite of Myles Garrett definitely benefited his play. Having them play opposite of each other for years would make their defense even scarier. Andrew Berry needs to work to sign him to a 3 year deal for roughly $10 million a year.

David Njoku

It is no secret that Kevin Stefanski loves his tight ends. They are a big part of his offense, and David Njoku has only gotten better since Stefanski took over as the head coach. The box score stats will not blow you away, but “The Chief” is arguably the only mismatch Cleveland has on their roster right now and his athletic ability is truly remarkable. His career as a whole hasn’t been consistent, but he fits this offense and appears to be ready to take another step. He has always improved as a blocker, which was below average at when he came into the league. Njoku was the Browns leading receiver in 2021 finishing with 36 receptions for 475 yards and 4 touchdowns. Adding to all of that, Njoku said in a press conference that he loves Cleveland and wants to spend the rest of his career here. Make it happen, Andrew Berry.

The next section will be hard to read if you’re a die hard Browns fan. There are a few players that the Browns could move on from, save money, and give that money to the players mentioned above and others such as Denzel Ward. Below are two players that Andrew Berry should cut/trade in the 2022 offseason.

Jarvis Landry

Some would argue that the culture change started when Jarvis Landry was traded to Cleveland in 2018. His leadership is unmatched and he’s great for the locker room. There is no denying that. The issue is, his production just doesn’t line up with his hefty contract. In 2018-2020, Jarvis had good seasons, including two Pro Bowl selections. Regardless of that, he is still overpaid and coming off the worst year of his career in 2021, finishing with 52 receptions for 570 yards and only 2 touchdowns. He looks slower on the field and struggles to get separation. There is some hope that he will restructure his contract and stay in Cleveland, but he can be cut and save the Browns almost $15 million in cap space. We will see what happens, but it may be better to move on from him entirely.

Kareem Hunt

This could honestly go either way, but there is a chance that Kareem Hunt gets traded this offseason. He and Nick Chubb have been a great one-two punch the last few years, but Hunt missed substantial time in 2021 and third string running back D’Ernest Johnson picked up the slack and looked great as the primary and secondary running back. The Browns could trade him for draft capital and save $6.25 million in cap space. It does make sense to let him get healthy and play out his last year of his contract, but if Andrew Berry wants to make a move, he has a good option in Hunt. A lot of teams would immediately use the former rushing champion as their starter. Johnson would also need a contract in this scenario, so there are a lot of moving parts. It will be interesting to see what happens