Ravens sign 3-time Pro Bowler Clowney
The Baltimore Ravens signed three-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney, the team announced Friday.
Baltimore and the veteran linebacker are inking a one-year contract worth up to $6 million, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh praised Clowney on Friday.
"He's a high-energy player," Harbaugh said. "He's a very physical player. He's a guy when he plays, he's kinda reckless with his body. He throws it around, he's heavy-handed, he's a power-rusher. He's a really good pass-rusher. I think he's a little underrated as a pass-rusher."
Clowney was one of the top free agents at his position still available in the market. The former No. 1 overall pick, who recently visited the Jacksonville Jaguars, will add immediate depth and experience to a Ravens team that's been looking for help up front in recent years.
Baltimore's pass rush also features 2021 first-round pick Odafe Oweh, 2022 second-round selection David Ojabo, and Tyus Bowser, who's currently dealing with a knee injury. Veteran Justin Houston, who led the Ravens with 9.5 sacks last year, recently signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers.
"I'm excited," Harbaugh said. "Jadeveon is a tough, hard-nosed, throws-his-body-around kind of player. We played against him so many times. We understand how he plays, and we're excited to have him. ... I think he's a good fit in this defense."
Clowney spent the last two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, appearing in 26 games. The 30-year-old racked up just two sacks last season after amassing nine in 2021. He also finished 2022 with 28 tackles (four for loss), four QB hits, and one forced fumble.
Though the South Carolina product has yet to record double-digit sacks in a single season throughout his career, he's been a solid run defender. Clowney was the 19th-best edge rusher against the run in 2022, according to PFF.
Though Clowney earned three Pro Bowl berths across his first five NFL seasons, he hasn't fully met expectations after entering the league as the top prospect in the 2014 draft. The Ravens will be the fifth team of his NFL career, as he's also played for the Houston Texans (2014-18), Seattle Seahawks (2019), Tennessee Titans (2020), and Browns (2021-22).