Deshaun Watson Trade Played Vital Role In Cleveland Browns Keeping Jadeveon Clowney

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly re-signed defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal, a development that was allegedly influenced by the Deshaun Watson trade.

In a report by ESPN, the 29-year-old player will be earning a maximum of $11 million for the coming season.

Clowney is coming off a good season, considered one of the best he has had with the franchise.

The three-time Pro Bowler finished with nine sacks and two forced fumbles for the Browns last season while playing opposite All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett.

However, it appears the decision to return to Cleveland has been linked to Watson.

Clowney allegedly put in a good word for the 2020 NFL Passing Yards leader before the Browns ended up trading for him, football reporter Brad Stainbrook claimed.

Furthermore, Stainbrook added that had the Browns not traded for Watson and stuck with Baker Mayfield, Clowney would have taken his talents elsewhere.

It would be best to note that there was a time when Clowney and Watson played together for the Houston Texans.

After being selected as the top pick of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Texans, Clowney was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2019.

He also had a short stop with the Tennessee Titans before becoming a free agent in 2021.

Clowney would agree to a one-year deal with the Browns last season. He had 14 starts last season and registered 37 tackles and nine sacks.

The native of South Carolina battled through injuries the past seasons, particularly in 2020 with the Titans.

It was a woeful year for the former All-American who finished that NFL season without a sack. His season came to an abrupt end, suffering a season-ending knee injury that required surgery.

Regardless, he was able to return with the Browns and managed to stay healthy.

He played in 14 games and finished strong, getting two sacks and a forced fumble in Cleveland's regular-season finale.

While he expressed interest in returning this coming NFL season for the Browns, he was looking for a better compensation package.

"You play at a high level. You want to get paid," Clowney stated.