Browns’ Super Bowl Odds Improve to +2000 After Signing Jadeveon Clowney

• The Cleveland Browns have signed edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year $8-million contract
• Cleveland will be Clowney’s fourth team in as many seasons
• The Super Bowl odds on the Browns shortened from +2200 to +2000 after confirmation of the move

In what’s becoming an annual rite of passage during the NFL offseason, the Cleveland Browns are the latest team to hitch their Super Bowl hopes to edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. The Browns signed Clowney, 28, to a one-year, $8-million free-agent deal on Wednesday.

Cleveland will be Clowney’s fourth team in as many seasons. Almost immediately, his addition to the Browns’ roster made an impact on the club’s 2022 Super Bowl odds.

The Browns were listed at +2200 to win this season’s Super Bowl. That betting line has since shortened to +2000.

Cleveland still remains the fourth betting choice among AFC teams. The Browns trail the Kansas City Chiefs (+500), their AFC North rivals the Baltimore Ravens (+1300), and the Buffalo Bills (+1400).

2022 Super Bowl Odds

Odds as of April 14th at DraftKings.

Clowney-ing Around

The Seattle Seahawks traded for Clowney in 2019. After one year, they let him walk as a free agent.

The Tennessee Titans signed Clowney as a free agent in 2020. After one year, they let him walk as a free agent.

BREAKING 🚨: Jadeveon Clowney is signing with the Browns on a one-year deal, per @jjones9. pic.twitter.com/j12G9P4FYT

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) April 14, 2021

Now it’s Cleveland turn to invest in Clowney futures. If he delivers the goods, his incentive-laden deal could earn the three-time Pro Bowler as much as $10 million this season.

Is Clowney Still a Difference Maker?

On paper, the thinking of the Browns’ brass is understandable. They can line up Myles Garrett and Clowney, both former #1-overall draft picks, as bookend edge rushers. It’s a quarterback’s nightmare.

Is it money well spent by the Browns, though? For that matter, is it money that the Browns really needed to spend to upgrade a position that was already well stocked?

Browns are signing Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal, per @RapSheet

Cleveland’s defensive front 😳 @brgridiron pic.twitter.com/da7vS1v7ph

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 14, 2021

They previously picked up free-agent edge Takk McKinley, who signed a one-year deal worth $4.25 million last month. He’s also a former first-round draft pick. As well, the Browns are retaining defensive end Porter Gustin on an exclusive rights free-agent tender.

Clowney’s career numbers are impressive. He’s recorded 32 sacks, 75 tackles for a loss, 86 QB hits, and nine forced fumbles over seven seasons. But he’s only garnered three of those sacks during the past two seasons.

Baker Mayfield weighs in on the Jadeveon Clowney signing pic.twitter.com/8W7SBEkwMY

— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) April 14, 2021

He missed the second half of last season with Tennessee after tearing up his ACL. Clowney didn’t record a sack last season, but did post six quarterback hits and 22 QB hurries in his eight games played. That placed him among the NFL leaders at the time.

Interestingly, Clowney grades out as a better run stopper than a pass rusher over the course of his NFL career.

Browns Loading Up

Last season’s Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, did the majority of their shopping on the offensive side of the ball. They brought in QB Tom Brady, tight end Rob Gronkowski, wide receiver Antonio Brown, and running back Leonard Fournette.

Already well-stocked on offense, Cleveland is opting to beef up its defense. Besides Clowney and McKinley, the Browns also picked up defensive tackle Malik Jackson, linebacker Anthony Walker, safety John Johnson III, and cornerback Troy Hill.

#Browns Jadeveon Clowney said he's looking forward to proving he's still elite.

"You're going to see this season."

— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) April 14, 2021

The Browns have pursued Clowney like a rejected suitor for years now, and finally landed their man. Perhaps their timing couldn’t be better. In Cleveland’s scheme, he doesn’t need to dominate as much as be a steady, solid contributor.

Coming off an injury and two subpar seasons, Clowney is a man with something to prove. Cleveland is a team on a mission. Clowney, Jackson, Walker, and McKinley all signed one-year deals, so there’s incentive for each to excel.

Jadeveon Clowney on why he was excited to play for the #Browns this year pic.twitter.com/VPvzLS4VQi

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) April 14, 2021

After dismantling Pittsburgh in the Wildcard round, the Browns gave Kansas City all it could handle in last season’s AFC Divisional playoffs. Is Cleveland the Super Bowl favorite right now? No.

Are the Browns legitimate contenders? You better believe they are.