It didn’t take long for the news of Cleveland finally adding defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to spread around the NFL world. The Browns signed Clowney to a one-year deal worth at least $8 million with incentives that can take it up to $10 million.
Despite the move being in the potential works for months, many still came away surprised that Clowney joined forces with the Browns. Others lauded the move as a stroke of determined genius for Browns GM Andrew Berry, who has sought after Clowney two offseasons in a row.
Here’s a sampling of the social media reactions from various national media outlets, fans and players around the NFL.
"It should be 🎂 for Clowney!"@WillieMcGinest says @clownejd is set up to EAT in Cleveland 🍽️ pic.twitter.com/CwNRrCPG4o
— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) April 14, 2021
The Browns are signing Jadeveon Clowney, per multiple reports.
QBs beware 👀 pic.twitter.com/nUz3z1voa9
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 14, 2021
Highest double team rate when pass rushing as an edge, 2018-2020.
Michael Bennett 30%
Za'Darius Smith 29%
Jadeveon Clowney 28%(ESPN / Next Gen Stats)
— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) April 14, 2021
This is a great signing and a great player that will mesh with Cleveland's broken defense very well. AB and KS have created a SOLID D line within their first year.
— Dick Fitzwell (@DrFitz) April 14, 2021
Nightmare fuel for AFC North QBs ⛽️🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/0DroCRwHL7
— BV (@TheReal_BV) April 14, 2021
Clowney adds a different element than Vernon did, but that signing was largely preventing the Browns from experiencing a dropoff at that position.
It allows them to take a bigger step forward through the draft.
— Pete Smith (@_PeteSmith_) April 15, 2021
GM Andrew Berry is solidly stacking Cleveland’s roster. Encourage #Browns fans to study the back third of Clowney’s last season in SEA &/t postseason run, after battling a core issue. Impact is on video. Yes he’s a great run-defender, ability to rush (circa ‘17 & ‘18) is there.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 14, 2021
The #Browns signing Clowney frees the team up from NEEDING pass rush production from the draft. Now the team is able to focus on other positions or draft BPA. Although Clowney doesn’t produce a ton of sacks he still provides something at a position the team needed.
— Michael Mancini (@MikeMancini58) April 15, 2021
Between Jadeveon Clowney and Odell Beckham Jr., I think the Browns finally made right on the 2014 draft.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) April 14, 2021
Not everyone is so thrilled, however. Note that many of these include reactions from other AFC North cities…
Clowney has been a one year rent a player since his rookie contract I don’t understand why everyone thinks he’s now going to be great and healthy all year for the Browns but whatever
— Curtis Christmas (@ChristmasCurtis) April 15, 2021
The Browns signing of Jadeveon Clowney might help them win the offseason, but will it help in the regular season? That is a pretty big stretch.https://t.co/ZgkpATG01s
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) April 15, 2021
Now the Browns have a Clown and a Clowney on the team.
They still ain’t beating
Lamar Jackson Ravens tho https://t.co/cyeOpDbDH6
— Listenman (@hey_listenman) April 15, 2021
Clowney doesn’t put the Browns over the top.
AT ALL.
— Snacks (@socksocksocks) April 15, 2021
It’s always interesting to see the preemptive reactions from professional provocateurs in the media. Let’s see if what Skip Bayless said earlier this week about the Browns signing Clowney holds true when next he speaks of it…
If the Browns sign Clowney, they become a legit Super Bowl contender. Can't believe no one else has signed him. I believe he still has a Pro Bowl or two left in him. He recently turned … 28!
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 12, 2021
