The Green Bay Packers have a sneaky need on their team this off-season. With the possibility of Rashan Gary missing the start of the 2023 season due to his torn ACL, the Packers could be looking to add depth at the position in the meantime. As luck would have it, there is one pass rusher that was just released by his team.
Jadeveon Clowney Released By Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns released veteran defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the NFL announced on Wednesday. The move wasn’t a total surprise, as Clowney has reiterated over the past few months that he expected to be enter free agency. The three-time Pro Bowler played the last two seasons in Cleveland.
The Green Bay Packers have been previously linked as a possible destination for the former number one overall draft pick. Per Kenneth Teape of NFL Analysis Network:
Following the expiration of his rookie contract, Jadeveon Clowney played with four different franchises in four seasons, going from the Houston Texans to the Seattle Seahawks via trade for the 2019 season. In 2020 he played with the Tennessee Titans before landing with the Cleveland Browns.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft has spent two seasons in Cleveland but all signs are pointing toward him going elsewhere for the 2023 season. Jadeveon Clowney was openly unhappy about his situation there and is ready to take on a new challenge.
Where could the South Carolina product end up? One suggested landing spot is with the Green Bay Packers. The Packers have some salary cap concerns and need to figure out their quarterback situation, making Jadeveon Clowney on a one-year deal a good match.
Green Bay could use some pass-rushing depth, especially with the return of Rashan Gary up in the air after he suffered a torn ACL in Week 9 of the 2022 season. Without Gary in the lineup, the Packers’ pass rush was lacking outside of Preston Smith.
Clowney would also help the Packers in one aspect that struggled mightily last year. He is elite at setting the edge, which the Packers could certainly use. Last season, Green Bay was 26th in rushing yardage allowed and 28th in yards per rush. Jadeveon Clowney has proven over and over again he is elite at defending the run. Something that will certainly be a point of interest for the Green Bay Packers defense this off-season.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @mcquadewarnold, follow us @WiSportsHeroics, and listen to our Podcast, The Cheese Dads NOW with Legendary DT Gilbert Brown! You can also reach out to McQuade Arnold via email at mcquadewarnold@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks.
