Cleveland's Unrequited Love For Jadeveon Clowney: Browns Still Reportedly Pursuing Free Agent

The Cleveland Browns want to sign Jadeveon Clowney. The feeling, however, might not be mutual.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com, the Browns are still interested in Clowney after he turned the organization down. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that the defensive end rejected Cleveland’s offer, even though it was the most lucrative deal he’s received.

“Is that not wanting to be in that city?” Schefter asked on 850 ESPN Cleveland. “Is that a lack of belief in the organization? I don’t know what it is.”

The exact terms of the Browns’ offer are unknown. ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported two weeks into free agency that Clowney dropped his asking price from at least $20 million a year to between $17 and $18 million per season.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is the position’s highest-paid player with an average annual salary of $21 million. Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark is second at $20.8 million. Six other defensive ends make at least $17 million a year, including Cleveland’s Olivier Vernon.

Clowney made $15 million in 2019, playing his only season with the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle has reportedly been interested in bringing the 27-year-old back, but not for the money he’s seeking.

The Tennessee Titans have also pursued Clowney. He’s reportedly turned down multiple offers from Tennessee.

The Houston Texans drafted Clowney with the No.1 overall pick in 2014. He was selected to the Pro Bowl every season from 2016-2018. After being traded to Seattle, Clowney had a somewhat disappointing campaign with 31 tackles and three sacks in 13 games.

Clowney is the best free agent still on the market.