OWINGS MILLS, MD. — The Ravens have signed veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, addressing one of their thinnest position groups by adding a former No. 1 overall draft pick.
The deal was officially announced by the team during practice on Aug. 18, and Clowney watched the last 45 minutes or so from the Ravens’ defensive sideline.
“Jadeveon is a tough, hard-nosed, throws-his-body-around kind of player,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “We’ve played against him so many times. We understand how he plays. We’re excited to have him. And he’s excited to be here. So I think he’s a good fit for this defense.”
In 12 games last year, Clowney had 28 tackles and two sacks, but his time with the Browns ended in acrimony. He publicly accused the team of diminishing his role and favoring fellow edge rusher Myles Garrett, and Clowney was benched for the final game of the season.
When he’s on, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound former South Carolina star can be the impact edge rusher the Ravens need. He recorded a career-high 9.5 sacks in 2017, when his defensive line coach was current Ravens assistant Anthony Weaver. He had 9.0 sacks the next year and also tallied 9.0 sacks in 2021, his first season in Cleveland.
Harbaugh said Weaver was “totally involved” in the process with Clowney and was a “strong advocate” for signing him.
Clowney has played 109 games, with 98 starts, and has totaled 320 tackles, 43 sacks and 109 quarterback hits.
The Ravens’ edge rush has been one of the thinnest position groups this summer. They let veteran Justin Houston go as a free agent, and Tyus Bowser (knee) remains on the Non-Football Injury list. Beyond Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo, the top outside edge rushers in camp have been rookie Tavius Robinson and 2022 practice squad player Jeremiah Moon. Malik Harrison can serve as hybrid inside-outside linebacker.
The Ravens had considered Dawuane Smoot and Kyle Van Noy among other linebackers as they sought to bolster the group, and then brought in Clowney for a visit last week. He left without a deal and then went on to Jacksonville on a personal free-agency tour before agreeing to terms with the Ravens.
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