Getty Image / Nick Cammett
Coming into this NFL season, the Cleveland Browns were expected to have one of the NFL’s most formidable pass rushes.
They have one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players in Myles Garrett and last season he combined for 25 sacks with fellow edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney.
Unfortunately, that tandem hasn’t been quite as effective this season. That has been due in large part to Clowney not having as much of an impact this season.
He has lost playing time this season and seen his numbers take a dip and now it looks like he is ready to move on from the Browns.
Yesterday, Clowney was interviewed by cleveland.com and told them that he is 95% sure that he won’t be back with the Browns next season because he doesn’t think they believe in him.
Clowney didn’t hold back, saying the Browns have “got their own guys, and I ain’t one of them, so it’s time for me to get my exit slip.” https://t.co/1ALELrN3N2
— clevelanddotcom (@clevelanddotcom) January 5, 2023
I just feel like I need to be around somebody that believes in me and my ability. (It can’t) just be me believing in myself. I believe in myself more than anybody.
According to Ari Meirov, the Browns have sent Clowney home today as a result of his comments in the interview.
The #Browns sent DE Jadeveon Clowney home from practice today after he told @clevelanddotcom that he's 95% sure he won't be back with team next season.
Clowney will be a free agent in March.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 6, 2023
Clowney has played the lowest snap percentage of his career this season with the Cleveland Browns. He went from playing 74% of snaps last season to only playing 63% of snaps during the 2022 season.
As a result, Clowney saw his numbers take a major dip this season. He only registered 2 sacks this season after racking up 9 last year. It is the 3rd worst statistical season of his career.
If Clowney does hit the free agent market, the 3-time Pro Bowler should generate plenty of interest despite the down year with the Browns this season.