Clowney unhappy with Browns, doesn't expect to return in 2023

Veteran defensive end Jadeveon Clowney expects Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers to be his last with the Cleveland Browns.

On Tuesday, Clowney said, "95% sure I won't be back," according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "But there's still that 5%. You never know what can happen.

"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."

Clowney - who's amassed two sacks this year, down from nine in 2021 - is unhappy with his role in Cleveland. He feels the Browns have removed him from favorable matchups throughout the season and instead overmatch Myles Garrett to showcase the All-Pro defensive end, Cabot added.

"I don't even think (Garrett) notices," Clowney said. "I ain't trying to say it's him. I try to get along with everybody I play with. Me and him don't have a problem. It ain't his fault. It's just B.S., and I don't have time for it."

But Clowney isn't fully ruling out a return for a third campaign with the Browns due to potential changes to the team's coaching staff. Multiple Cleveland coaches are in the hot seat, including third-year coordinator Joe Woods, whose defense has struggled for most of the 2022 season.

"There's supposed to be a lot of changes around here next year, so they might not be back, and I might," Clowney said.

Clowney, 29, returned to Cleveland in 2022 on a one-year, $10-million contract. He's racked up 28 tackles (four for loss), three pass breakups, and one forced fumble through 12 games this season.

The 7-9 Browns have already been eliminated from playoff contention.