Former Cleveland Browns Star Poised to Sign With Ravens, Adding Depth and Firepower to an Already Dominant Baltimore Defense

Former Cleveland Browns Star Poised to Sign With Ravens, Adding Depth and Firepower to an Already Dominant Baltimore Defense

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, roster changes are as inevitable as they are impactful. One of the most intriguing potential moves of this offseason is the projected signing of a former Cleveland Browns standout by the Baltimore Ravens. The reports have been circulating, speculation is mounting, and insiders suggest that this addition is not only imminent but could also significantly shape the Ravens’ defense in 2025. For a franchise that prides itself on a rich legacy of defensive dominance, adding a proven veteran presence from a division rival like the Browns could elevate their already formidable roster to new heights.

The player in question is none other than Jadeveon Clowney, the veteran pass rusher who enjoyed a strong 2023 campaign in Cleveland before playing with Baltimore last season. Now, as reports suggest, the Ravens are eyeing a reunion in 2025, potentially re-signing Clowney to keep continuity on the edge and further stack their front seven with experience and versatility. While he spent only one season with the Browns in 2021 and another productive year in 2023, Clowney left a mark—when healthy, he remains one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the league.

Clowney, a former No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, has had a career marked by both bursts of brilliance and frustrating injuries. After bouncing between several teams—including the Texans, Seahawks, Titans, and Browns—his most recent stint in Baltimore revitalized his stock. In 2024, he registered 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and consistent pressure that helped Baltimore maintain a top-five defense. While not quite the dominant force he was expected to be when he entered the league out of South Carolina, Clowney has embraced a new identity in recent years: that of a savvy veteran edge defender who brings leadership, tenacity, and above-average production.

Baltimore’s defensive unit has undergone key transformations this offseason. With the departure of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to become head coach of the Seattle Seahawks and the elevation of Zach Orr to DC, the Ravens are maintaining continuity while also adapting to new ideas. Re-signing Clowney would allow the team to retain a leader who understands the locker room culture and scheme, which is especially valuable during periods of transition.

Baltimore isn’t looking to Clowney to be a savior or single-handed game-changer. They have young talent emerging across the board, including Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo, both of whom are expected to take larger roles in 2025. Clowney’s potential return would offer a stabilizing influence—someone who can still produce but also serve as a mentor for the younger pass rushers still developing their skill sets. With his deep playoff experience, including his role in the Ravens’ 2024 AFC Championship Game run, Clowney brings the kind of postseason presence that’s hard to quantify on a stat sheet but invaluable in the locker room.

For the Ravens, signing Clowney again is as much about culture fit as it is football. General Manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh value players who embody grit, accountability, and versatility. Clowney checks those boxes. In his 2024 campaign with Baltimore, he showed an improved ability to set the edge against the run, something that had been criticized in earlier stages of his career. He also displayed relentless effort, frequently drawing double teams that freed up opportunities for his teammates.

The former Browns pass rusher won’t break the bank, either. At 32 years old, Clowney isn’t commanding top-tier money, but his market value reflects his strong performance and veteran status. A one- or two-year deal in the $6-8 million range is expected, potentially with incentives based on playing time and sack totals. That’s a team-friendly contract for a player who played over 700 snaps last year and was instrumental in big moments.

From Cleveland’s perspective, letting Clowney walk—again—was about making room for younger players and adjusting cap allocations. With Myles Garrett still the face of the Browns’ defense and ascending talents like Ogbo Okoronkwo and Alex Wright needing snaps, Clowney’s return to the Browns was never likely despite his productive season. Still, it stings for Browns fans to see a former key contributor suit up for a hated rival like the Ravens, particularly if he helps Baltimore win a division that Cleveland hopes to finally conquer.

This move could also serve as a strategic counter by Baltimore to deal with the AFC North’s rising offensive threats. The Bengals, with Joe Burrow back healthy and loaded at wide receiver, remain a formidable challenge. The Steelers are entering a new era with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields competing at quarterback. And the Browns, still boasting a top-tier defense, will be looking to bounce back after an up-and-down 2024 season that ended in a Wild Card loss.

By bringing back Clowney, the Ravens are reinforcing their commitment to pressure-based defense. Few things disrupt modern offenses more effectively than a well-timed pass rush, and Clowney still has the tools to be disruptive when deployed in the right packages. Whether he’s lining up with his hand in the dirt or standing up as a wide-nine rusher, Clowney thrives in Baltimore’s hybrid fronts and aggressive blitz schemes.

In 2025, Baltimore is once again viewed as a Super Bowl contender, with quarterback Lamar Jackson entering the prime of his career, a rejuvenated receiving corps, and a defense that led the league in sacks in 2024. Clowney’s return would solidify their front line and give them an edge—both literally and figuratively—in divisional and postseason matchups.

The potential addition also highlights the Ravens’ savvy front office approach. Baltimore doesn’t chase names or trends—they identify players who can play within their system, add leadership, and make clutch plays when it counts. Clowney proved he could do all that last year. His impact went beyond the stat sheet, with timely sacks, quarterback hits, and key plays that shifted momentum in tight games.

Clowney’s journey from Cleveland to Baltimore is also a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL. Once seen as a gamble due to his injury history and inconsistency, he has evolved into a respected veteran who plays hard, helps younger teammates, and fits seamlessly into a high-caliber organization. For players in the twilight of their careers, there’s no better situation than a contending team that knows how to use you correctly. Clowney appears to have found that in Baltimore.

Should the deal go through, Clowney will enter the season with high expectations but limited pressure—he’s not the cornerstone anymore, just one more sharp tool in a deep defensive toolbox. That’s exactly the role he has come to embrace, and it may allow him to play some of the best football of his career in a system that maximizes his strengths.

As training camp looms and final rosters begin to take shape, all eyes will be on the Ravens to see if they officially announce Clowney’s return. While the paperwork isn’t finalized yet, all indications suggest that it’s only a matter of time. If and when the deal is signed, the rest of the AFC—and the Browns in particular—will take notice.

One thing is clear: the Baltimore Ravens are not content to rest on last year’s success. They’re building for a deeper run in 2025, and bringing back a veteran pass rusher like Clowney shows they understand that championships are won not just with stars, but with smart, strategic roster moves that strengthen every inch of the depth chart. And sometimes, that means turning to a former rival to get the job done.

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