We learned on Wednesday day that Jadeveon Clowney would be joining the Browns on a one-year, $10M deal, and we’ve now got details on the new pact. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports that the deal includes a $4.5M signing bonus and a fully guaranteed base salary worth $2.5M.
The deal also includes $1M in 46-man roster bonuses and $2M in incentives (including $1M in playing-time bonuses and $1M in sacks bonuses), making the deal effectively a one-year, $8M deal that could be worth up to $10M. Interestingly, the deal is technically a five-year pact, but that ultimately voids to a one-year pact for cap purposes.
Clowney didn’t necessarily have a robust market following an underwhelming season with the Titans that saw him collect 19 tackles and zero sacks in eight games; the Browns were one of three teams (along with the Colts and Ravens) who were connected to the former first overall pick. While Clowney denied Cleveland last offseason, the team’s pursuit was successful this time around. The 28-year-old told NFL.com’s Nick Shook that the team’s continued interest (along with the money) ultimately changed his tune:
“It meant a lot, man. It means you’re wanted by somebody. You can tell that [if] somebody really wants you, they’re gonna use you the right way, so that was another big part of me making my decision. They wanted me and when you’re wanted by somebody, you can’t just turn it down like a relationship.”
More must-reads: