Free agent outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney has a new home. The 10-year veteran and the Baltimore Ravens agreed to terms on a one-year $6 million deal on Friday, first reported by Josina Anderson.
Clowney had 28 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and one forced fumble for the Browns last year. Baltimore had no issues getting to the quarterback last season. Baltimore was seventh in the NFL last year in quarterback sack percentage with 7.68%.
The Baltimore Ravens should be getting back run-stuffer Michael Pierce, who was lost last year for the season with a torn biceps. The Ravens still have athletic linebackers David Ojabo, Patrick Queen, Roquan Smith, and Malik Harrison, who can run sideline-to-sideline.
David Ojabo should be healthy heading into this season, as last year, before the draft, he suffered a torn Achilles during his pro day workout at Michigan. With Ojabo the starting outside linebacker for the Ravens, that leaves Clowney as a situational pass-rusher.
Baltimore Ravens Sign Jadeveon Clowney to $6 Million Deal
Jadeveon Clowney spoke with the Baltimore Ravens Director of Social Media Garrett Downing about why he chose Baltimore
“A lot of reasons,” Clowney said. Some old coaches that coached for me, some of the players I talked to when I came for the visit it felt like it was an easy transition for me to fit in around here and pretty smooth for me and I kinda enjoyed that when I came I was like I think see myself playing in Baltimore and being apart of the organization that’s how I ended up deciding.”
Clowney on how much Odell Beckham Jr. and others factored into his signing with the Ravens:
“I think it was a big factor,” Clowney said. The guys just really want to win, and they called and said we just trying to win, we could do it here; the pieces around us you can come in and help like I said whatever it is I can fit in and help that’s what I’m trying to do and help the organization win I think they got a great team, a great chance to win and I just want to be apart of it.” (Via Ravens)
This is a massive year for the Baltimore Ravens. They locked up Lamar Jackson long-term, signed Odell Beckham Jr., and drafted Zay Flowers, who has been unguardable at training camp. The Ravens gave Lamar Jackson some weapons this offseason, but can he hold up through a 16-game schedule? That was the risk of giving Jackson a second contract is that he hasn’t shown to be durable the past two seasons.
The signing of Clowney means the Ravens are pushing all of their chips onto the table to compete for a championship. The only way that happens is if Jackson stays healthy and jives with new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. However, the defense must continue to be in the top 10.
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